Ontario's Weather Forecast Says Snow Squalls Could Bring Up To 20 cm To Some Areas This Week

Southern Ontario is in for some wintry weather this week, with snow on the way for the province and some regions set to get up to 20 centimetres.

Ontario's weather forecast calls for a round of incoming snow squalls that could bring in 10-20 centimetres of snow to some areas by mid-week.

According to The Weather Network, a cold front moving in over Ontario will bring in gusty winds and lake-effect snow over Tuesday and Wednesday.

By Tuesday afternoon, the region will see gusty winds of up to 65 kilometres per hour.

"Coastal sections along the Saugeen shores and Lake Erie shorelines could see winds reach upwards to 70-80 km/h before easing overnight Tuesday," says TWN.

Snow squalls will also develop on Tuesday, impacting the northern Saugeen shores to Owen Sound, along with Gravenhurst and Port Severn, and reducing visibility along Highways 400 and 11.

Wednesday will bring chillier air and more snow. Drivers heading out on Wednesday morning should be prepared for reduced visibility, especially through Highway 400 around Barrie and toward the Bruce Peninsula and Orangeville.

While the Greater Toronto Area could see some snowflakes, most of the snow is predicted to fall in the traditional snowbelt areas, with places like Owen Sound, Barrie and areas north of Peterborough set to see between 5 and 15 centimetres, and Gravenhurst possibly seeing as much as 20 centimetres.

Several snow squall watches have been issued for Ontario by Environment Canada, with areas including Barrie - Orillia - Midland, Burk's Falls - Bayfield Inlet, Grey - Bruce, Haliburton, Parry Sound - Muskoka and Peterborough - Kawartha Lakes being told that snow squalls expected Tuesday night into Wednesday could result in locally heavy snowfall amounts of 10 to 25 centimetres, as well as significantly reduced visibility.

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve," says Environment Canada.

Warnings were also issued for the Sault Ste. Marie - Superior East region, with Environment Canada warning residents that intense snow squalls are expected on Tuesday east of Lake Superior.

"Travel is expected to be dangerous along portions of highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa during this event and is not recommended," says EC.

"Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Road closures are possible."

Thankfully, the weather should turn much more pleasant by Friday, with highs of 9 C in Toronto and around 8 C in areas like Barrie and Ottawa.

If you're wondering what Southern Ontario is in for come Christmas, TWN says that temperatures will be relatively mild during the week leading up to Christmas, becoming colder starting around December 25.

A white Christmas forecast from the Old Farmer's Almanac also predicts a snowstorm, rain, and snow showers for the region in the days leading up to the 25, so those dreaming of a snowy holiday may be in luck!

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.