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Light lake-effect snow risk returns to Ontario, more wintry pattern ahead

Light lake-effect snow risk returns to Ontario, more wintry pattern ahead

It's been a relatively calm and mild start to December across southern Ontario, with more early fall-like storms bringing gusty winds and periods of rain as opposed to snow. However, Friday morning's commute around the western end of Lake Ontario might be a little slower than usual with the return of a lake-effect snow threat.

RELATED: Why snow squalls are one of the hardest events to forecast

A weak low-pressure system skirting by southwestern Ontario is expected to generate easterly winds off Lake Ontario Friday morning. As such, drivers along the QEW may be in for reduced visibility and the risk of slippery road conditions beginning early in the day.

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image - 2022-12-08T070341.689

"Travel along the QEW from Fort Erie to St. Catharines and through Hamilton to Burlington is likely to be affected by light lake-effect snow from the pre-dawn hours into early Friday afternoon," says Nadine Powell, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.

As the morning progresses and the wind shifts slightly, so too will the snow along the QEW toward Hamilton and Burlington by the early afternoon.

Although snowfall can always affect your travel plans, the good news is that this isn't expected to be a significant event, as conditions are marginal for any sustained and heavy snowfall.

Look ahead: Wet snow this weekend and a more wintry pattern settles in

A more widespread threat for wet snow will return for parts of southern and south central Ontario on Sunday, especially near and north of the 401 from near London to eastern Lake Ontario and then north through cottage country. There's the potential for 5+cm of slushy snow to accumulate for the higher terrain above the escarpment, while a mix of wet snow and rain is expected near Lake Ontario.

Currently, minimal accumulation is expected across most of the Greater Toronto Area.

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image - 2022-12-08T070406.217

A more wintry pattern is expected to settle in during the second half of December.

Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Ontario.