New warnings with shifting squalls over Ontario, another weekend system ahead
Ontario's week-long snow event isn't over yet, as one last wind shift will send the squalls moving in a new direction on Friday. Renewed snow squall watches and warnings are in effect, as the target zone shifts back to cottage country.
Some areas have seen nearly one-and-a-half metres of snow over the past week, with an additional 20-30+ cm possible in the hardest-hit regions through the day on Friday. London, Ont. had already picked up nearly 30 cm of snow by early Friday morning, prompting the second day of widespread school closures and cancellations. Drivers were left stranded on parts of Highway 401 as the potent squalls hit Thursday.
Continue to use extreme caution before heading out, as conditions change dramatically over short distances in and around snow squalls.
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Another clipper system will also track north of the region late Saturday night, with a widespread snow hitting much of southern Ontario. Between 2-5 cm is likely for most areas, with heavier snow accumulations of 5-10+ cm forecast north and east of Toronto.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding motorists to 'know before you go' and to use resources like 511 Ontario for up-to-date road conditions and closures. Be sure to stay up to date on all of the weather warnings in your area, as well, and have a plan in place as conditions worsen.
WATCH: Unrelenting band of lake-effect snow causes havoc in London, Ont.
Will the snow and frigid air persist, or will winter fail to commit as we head into next week? See more of the forecast details, below.
Friday: Another day of potent squalls and difficult travel
After persistent squalls through the overnight hours on Thursday, winds will shift around and blow out of the west by Friday. This will push the snow squalls along Highway 21 and north of Barrie, where snow will continue across the snowbelt region.
Accumulations on the order of 20-30 cm are expected throughout the snowbelt, with an additional 5-10 cm forecast across London ahead of relief later Friday.
Friday's squalls won’t be locked in place for long, but peak snowfall rates could reach 3 to 6 cm per hour at times, with the bands of lake-effect snow continuing into Friday night.
This will affect areas that were already hit so hard last weekend, from north of Barrie to the Bracebridge, and into Parry Sound. This will have a major impact on travel along Hwy 11 and the 400, once again.
"Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the snow squall warning.
Friday will also be the coldest day of the season, with Toronto's daytime high failing to crack 0°C for the first time since March 22. This will create slick and icy road surfaces.
Clipper threatens additional snow over the weekend before temperatures climb
Squalls will disintegrate Saturday morning, but forecasters are monitoring another clipper system that'll track north of the region late Saturday with widespread snowfall. This snow will remain primarily north and east of Toronto, but with another 2-5+ cm of accumulation possible.
This clipper will force a warm front to lift north, bringing in much milder temperatures for Sunday. Readings are expected to climb well above freezing.
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We're likely back to rain showers on Monday, but some light freezing rain and mixed precipitation are expected north and northeast of Toronto. Yet another system is expected to develop over the U.S. Midwest on Tuesday, and then track into southern Ontario with a widespread rain Tuesday night. There's also the potential for snow for some areas well to the west of the storm track as a cold front approaches the region.
More lake-effect snow potential next week
A strong cold front is expected to track across the region on Wednesday, followed by a quick shot of Arctic air with temperatures a few degrees colder than seasonal. This should trigger another round of significant lake-effect snow by Wednesday night.
Much milder weather is expected to arrive for the weekend, with that warmer pattern dominating into mid-December. We'll be watching the potential for a colder pattern to kick in during late December and early January.
WATCH: London blasted with lake-effect band, highway 401 closed
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Ontario.
