Thundersnow strikes southern Ontario (again)

As temperatures dropped in southern Ontario late Wednesday afternoon, a rare event took place in the region.

Thundersnow struck several communities. That, in itself, is unusual. But to make the event even more unique, this is the second time thundersnow struck southern Ontario this month. The first time was on March 3, and came courtesy of a Texas low that developed over the southern U.S. two days prior, pushing energy towards the Great Lakes and setting the scene for a powerful thundersnow display.

Wednesday's thundersnow is also due to movement over the Great Lakes.

"A cold front crashing through the Great Lakes brought an intense mix of rain, snow, and even thunder and lightning to southern Ontario Wednesday," explains Weather Network meteorologist Michael Carter.

"Thundersnow is rare, but lightning can be produced by snowstorms through the same processes as summer storms. Usually, it requires a strong triggering mechanism like yesterday’s cold front."

Thundersnow typically occurs in the most intense snow bands, which is one factor that makes it so uncommon, Carter adds.

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But when it does occur, "it is slightly more likely near tall structures like skyscrapers and wind turbines, which give the electrical charge a shorter path to the ground."

A month in review: March impresses with auroras, hefty snow, and thundersnow

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