Up to 10 cm of snow expected Sunday as Toronto braces for first taste of winter

Climatologist at Environment Canada Dave Phillips says Toronto could see its first snowfall this week.

Toronto is bracing for its first snowfall of the season on Sunday as Environment Canada now warns of “difficult winter driving conditions” and urges motorists to prepare for delays.

On Saturday, shortly before 5 a.m. the national weather agency issued a special weather statement, forecasting between two and 10 centimetres of snow across the city beginning Sunday morning and continuing into the evening.

“Motorists should expect difficult winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays,” Environment Canada said. “Installation of winter tires should be considered prior to Sunday.”

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‘Snowfall amounts may change,’ officials warn

The agency says the storm’s track and intensity are still uncertain, with the potential for snowfall amounts to change as the system develops.

“Confidence remains low with respect to the strength and track of this weather system, and as such the areas affected and snowfall amounts may change,” officials wrote.

A low-pressure system moving through southern Ontario is expected to bring the first measurable snow of the season to parts of the region, marking Toronto’s earliest significant accumulation in months.

CP24’s meteorologist Bill Coulter previously warned drivers should expect slushy conditions rather than heavy buildup.

“The wet snow will come down hard at times through the midday but melt on contact with roadways,” Coulter said, noting that “the ground isn’t frozen so it’s not like your typical mid-winter storms.”

How is the city responding?

The City of Toronto said it would apply salt brine to high-priority roads and bridges starting Saturday evening until Sunday morning.

Two warming centres, 885 Scarborough Golf Club Road and 81 Elizabeth Street, will open at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The city said it will also open about 115 contingency spaces across its shelter system.

Earlier this week, the city released details of its 2025–26 Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness, announcing an expansion of shelter and housing capacity from Nov.15 through mid-April.

The plan includes approximately 1,275 additional spaces across the shelter system, including 244 Warming Centre beds, 490 new shelter and respite spaces, and 175 surge beds activated during extreme cold.

City officials said some winter spaces will open early this weekend “out of an abundance of caution” due to the forecasted temperatures and expected snow on Sunday.

In total, the city says they are currently accommodating nearly 9,000 people each night and emphasize that more than 3,800 people have moved from the shelter system into permanent housing so far this year.

Environment Canada is urging residents to continue monitoring forecasts and alerts as conditions evolve throughout the weekend.

CP24 will have live coverage of Sunday’s snowfall as it develops.