“The Big Smoke” Experiences Light Snow and Blustery Conditions to Start the Week

Toronto wakes up to a light snowy Sunday morning with temperatures hovering around +1°C. Despite the near-freezing mark, the wind chill factor dives to a biting -14°C, thanks to gusty west-southwest winds ranging from 24 to 38 km/h. The barometric pressure is on a downward trend at 100.4 kPa, suggesting that the city might see more active weather as the day progresses.

Weather Forecast Summary

• Today: The city faces a cloudy day with a 60 percent chance of morning flurries, escalating to consistent flurries around noon. The late afternoon holds a risk of snow squalls, accompanied by local blowing snow that could accumulate 2 to 4 cm. Winds will be strong from the southwest at 30 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h. The high is expected to remain at +1°C, with the wind chill making it feel much colder at -14°C in the morning.
• Tonight: Flurries are expected to cease this evening, leading to mainly cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of additional flurries. Early evening may still carry a risk of snow squalls and local blowing snow, with an additional 2 cm possible. The wind will shift to the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, before becoming lighter near midnight. The low will drop to -7°C, with wind chill values of -7°C in the evening and -12°C overnight.
• Monday, February 19: The city will see a mix of sun and cloud, with lighter winds up to 15 km/h. Temperatures will peak at +1°C, but the wind chill in the morning will feel like -10°C.
• Monday Night: Expect cloudy periods with a low of -6°C.
• Tuesday, February 20: A mix of sun and cloud continues, with a slight warm-up to a high of +3°C.
• Tuesday Night: The night will be marked by cloudy periods, with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark at 0°C.

Implications for Toronto Residents

As Toronto contends with a mix of flurries and potential snow squalls, residents are advised to prepare for variable and potentially hazardous driving conditions due to local blowing snow and reduced visibility.

The significant wind chill factor also necessitates dressing warmly, especially in the mornings and evenings. The start of the week will see a gradual improvement in conditions, with temperatures slightly rising by Tuesday.

Torontonians should stay informed about the latest weather updates, particularly regarding the risk of snow squalls, and plan their commutes and outdoor activities accordingly.