Special weather statement for Toronto: gusty winds expected beginning Wednesday

CP24’s Bill Coulter has update on weather conditions including fog advisories, wind warnings and snow squall watches.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Toronto, advising of strong winds beginning on Wednesday.

In the advisory, the federal weather agency says winds gusting 70 to 80 km/h are expected between Wednesday and Thursday night, possibly Friday morning.

“Strong southwest winds will shift to the west Wednesday night and then to the northwest Thursday afternoon or evening,” Environment Canada said.

“Local utility outages are possible. High-sided vehicles will be pushed around by the wind. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind.”

• The full forecast and everything else you need to know about GTA weather

Toronto will see a high of 11 C on Wednesday before the temperature dips down to the freezing mark.

“Once that complex of systems slides east late Wednesday, the cold polar air that has been waiting in the wings rushes in. That will knock down temperatures and fire up the lake effect snow machine for the traditional snow belts,” CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said.

“Those squalls and flurries will continue through Thursday. Friday will be brighter but will remain chilly. Squalls will continue in the traditional snow belts.”

The city will see highs of 2 C and 1 C on Thursday and Friday with a 60 per cent chance of flurries.

Cloudy conditions are expected to continue on Saturday and Sunday with daytime highs of -1 C and 2 C, respectively.