Expect snow squalls and extreme cold today

Snow Squall Watch

Brief, intense snowfall is expected to develop. Under the snow squall, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow combined with blowing snow.

Hazards:
Sudden whiteout conditions in heavy snow and blowing snow.
Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 5 cm in an hour or two.
Wind gusts of 50 to 70 km/h.

Timing:
This afternoon into early this evening.

Discussion:
A brief but intense snow squall, associated with a fast moving arctic cold front will push southeastward across southern Ontario this afternoon through early this evening. Heavy snow will combine with gusty northwesterly winds to give near zero visibility at times. Plunging temperatures in the wake of this front will usher in the coldest air of the season thus far.

###

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather. Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero.

Extreme Cold Warning

Summary
Blast of cold Arctic air reaches southern Ontario later tonight.

Hazard:
Wind chill values of minus 40 to minus 45.

Timing:
Tonight into Friday morning and again Friday night into Saturday morning.

Discussion:
In the wake of a strong cold front, wind chills are expected to reach minus 40 to minus 45 tonight into early Friday morning. After moderating during the day Friday, wind chills are again forecast to reach near minus 40 Friday night into Saturday morning.

#

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk.

Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

Don’t miss out on Doppler!

Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!

Click here to support local news