A special weather statement has been issued for the greater Toronto area (GTA) as snowfall is expected this weekend. An Alberta clipper is set to bring widespread snow and gusty winds to southern Ontario.
Snowfall Forecast for the GTA
According to the latest reports, snow will primarily begin between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Friday. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated to occur during the middle of the day. The National Weather Service indicates that total snowfall amounts are expected to range from 3 to 5 centimeters across most areas.
- Hourly snowfall rates may reach up to 2 to 4 cm.
- Travel conditions are expected to be hazardous due to quickly accumulating snow on roads.
Regions Expecting Significant Accumulation
While the snowfall in downtown Toronto and along the Lakeshore may mix with rain, regions in northern York and Durham have higher chances of receiving significant amounts of snow. Some areas could see totals exceeding 10 centimeters. The snowfall in these regions is likely to be heavy and wet, making shoveling more challenging.
Winds and Weather Conditions
Along with the snowfall, winds will strengthen throughout the day, reaching gusts of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour in Toronto. Higher elevations, such as the Escarpment and Dundalk Highlands, are under a weather statement, with predicted snow totals ranging from 10 to 15 centimeters and wind gusts potentially hitting 80 km/h.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the weekend, cooler temperatures are expected to persist. Another weather system may arrive on Sunday, though forecasts for this event remain uncertain. Possible precipitation types could include snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain.
Residents are advised to stay informed about the changing weather conditions and prepare for potentially hazardous travel. Check El-Balad for updates and the extended forecast as the weekend approaches.
