After rounds of freezing drizzle, snow and a pattern change ahead

Digital WritersThe Weather Network
Digital Writers

Toronto has yet to dip to -10 degrees so far this winter season, so Wednesday morning's layer of ice may have left some residents unprepared.

Southern Ontario began 2021 with consistently above-seasonal conditions, with Toronto's Pearson Airport yet to record an overnight low of -10°C this winter, so the prolonged swath of freezing drizzle Tuesday night and a repeat performance Wednesday morning might have come as a bit of a blindside.

A freezing drizzle advisory was in effect Wednesday morning for several areas, and though it dropped shortly after the 9 a.m. hour, near-zero temperatures brought the risk back for some areas Wednesday evening.

Looking ahead, however, Thursday, sees daytime highs a couple of degrees warmer than Wednesday, with little to no precipitation in sight. People across the region had best take advantage, as messier weather isn't far beyond.

ON afternoon temps

FRIDAY INTO THE WEEKEND: PERIODS OF RAIN AND SNOW COULD MAKE FOR SLICK ROADS

Forecasters are looking at a late-week system that will deliver the next chance for widespread precipitation by Friday, with rain showers developing earlier in the day, and then possibly changing to snow showers as arctic air sinks south. A few centimetres of wet snow is expected across the higher terrain away from Lake Ontario.

Strong, gusty winds on Friday will also make things feel a little more wintry as the flakes begin to fly.

ONPattern (1)

"Occasional flurries with a gusty wind are likely on Saturday, but temperatures will continue to be on the mild side of seasonal," says Gillham, adding that accumulations will be minimal as a result.

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Snow flurries will continue into Sunday, with 2-5 cm possible across the Golden Horseshoe.

Be sure to check back for the latest updates on the pattern changes in Ontario.