Toronto, rest of GTA under special weather statement as snow on the way

CP24’s Jessica Smith provides an update on weather conditions in Toronto and parts of the GTA.

While the start of spring is in eight days, it appears Old Man Winter is not yet done.

Toronto and neighbouring areas are under a special weather statement, advising of possible snow on Friday.

Environment Canada says the city could see brief snowfall rates of two to four centimetres between Friday morning and afternoon.

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“Although total snowfall amounts are not expected to be overly significant, the hourly snowfall rates may result in roads and highways becoming quickly snow covered and slippery. Hazardous travel conditions are expected,” the federal agency said in its advisory.

The city could see snowfall amounts of five to eight centimetres by the time it tapers in the afternoon.

Environment Canada says snow will likely change to rain showers as the temperature rises above the freezing mark.

Toronto is expected to see a daytime high of 3 C with a wind chill of -10 in the morning.

“Falling temperatures Friday night may lead to icy roads and sidewalks. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” Environment Canada warned.

The temperature is forecast to dip to -2 C, feeling like -10 overnight.

Up to 15cm of snow possible in some areas

Other parts of the Greater Toronto Area, including Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa and Whitby, could see 10 to 15 centimetres of snow Friday through Saturday morning.

“Snow will be mixed with rain at times Friday afternoon and evening,” Environment Canada said.

“The heaviest snow is expected to be over higher elevations such as the Oak Ridges Moraine.”

Meanwhile, the Hamilton and Niagara Region will be dealing with very strong winds late Friday afternoon and evening.

“Strong southerly winds are expected to develop Friday morning with gusts up to 60 or 70 km/h possible. These winds are expected to further strengthen later in the afternoon or early evening and become more westerly with gusts of 70 to 90 km/h possible,” Environment Canada said.

The federal agency noted that winds are expected to ease later that night.

Weekend forecast

It will be a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday with a high of 2 C. On Sunday, periods of snow or rain are possible with the temperature reaching a high of 4 C.