Arctic air will flow into Ontario, but first with a snowfall

Some lingering lake-effect snow showers will continue to affect parts of Ontario’s snowbelt regions through Thursday, with more widespread snow taking aim as we end this week.

While the totals won’t be too significant with the weaker systems, it can still be enough to smooth the roads and slow the commute at times. Drivers are encouraged to prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.

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In addition to a brief early weekend warm-up, the coldest temperatures of the season will flood the province on Sunday and through most of next week. In some areas these will actually be the coldest conditions for years.

Rounds of system snow as we head into the weekend

Lake-effect snow bands will continue in parts of the region through Thursday, with the worst impacts remaining largely in the snow bands, where travel will be locally challenging. A winter weather travel advisory was issued early Thursday warning of reduced visibility at times in heavy and blowing snow.

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A weak rock system will also track across the south, bringing some snow and gusty winds Thursday. A dusting of up to 3 cm of snow is expected across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with this clipper.

Another low pressure system will move through Ontario Friday night into Saturday morning, bringing widespread snow, albeit with varying totals, to start the weekend.