Toronto Braces for Up to 10 cm of Snow This Week

Post by : Mina Rahman

A cautionary weather alert has been issued for Toronto as two weather systems are predicted to deliver up to 10 centimetres of snow by Wednesday.

The notice was released on Tuesday afternoon. Environment Canada states an Alberta Clipper system will spread snow across the region, which could be heavy at times. Officials are cautioning that travel may be challenging due to the likelihood of reduced visibility resulting from heavy snowfall and blowing snow.

Weather reporter Lyndsay Morrison informs that the first of the two systems has hit the city on Tuesday afternoon. This initial wave is expected to drop approximately 3 centimetres of snow in Toronto, while various parts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) may receive 2 to 5 centimetres. The snow is anticipated to ease by 8 p.m., followed by light flurries before a second system makes its arrival overnight, potentially adding another 3 centimetres for Toronto.

Other areas in Ontario may experience higher snowfall due to lake-effect from strong winds. Kitchener could report 14 cm, London 16 cm, and regions north of Toronto, such as Orillia and Caledon, may accumulate up to 12 cm from both systems combined.

The second weather system might also bring some rain on Wednesday, likely resulting in a slushy mix as temperatures increase slightly, only to drop again on Thursday.

Toronto's city officials announced that salting of roads will commence once snow adheres to surfaces, and sidewalk snow clearing will begin after a 2 cm accumulation. Residents are urged to exercise “extra caution” while traveling on Wednesday, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours. The combination of rain and snow could lead to icy roads and sidewalks.

Temperatures are expected to hover around 0°C today, but wind chill may make it feel as cold as -11°C. A high of 2°C is forecast for Wednesday, with a transition from snow to rain in parts of the GTA.