January is expected to end on a fairly chaotic note, weather-wise, in Toronto with significant winds, flurries and a cold front set for this week.
In a special weather statement issued for Monday, Environment Canada warns that strong southwesterly winds in Toronto could lead to loose objects, tree breakages, and power outages in the city.
Peter Kimbell, warning preparedness meteorologist from Environment Canada, says wind gusts blowing at 70 to 80 km/h are expected to start today.
“It’s a bit windier closer to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. So, places like Hamilton and the Niagara region would be under a wind warning,” Kimbell told Now Toronto on Monday. “But it’s still very windy in Toronto today.”
Despite this, on Monday, the air won’t be as cold as last week as the temperature will sit around zero in Toronto.
However, flurries are expected overnight due to the cold front coming through Toronto, potentially triggering heavier snowfall and snow squalls.
By Tuesday, the temperature is expected to hit -6 C.
“Two to three centimeters is entirely possible with winds as high again as 80 kilometers an hour,” Kimbell said.
He adds that there could be reduced visibility as a result.
While the cold front is expected to diminish slightly by Wednesday, people can expect heavier snowfall Tuesday night, which will persist throughout the mid-week mark.
“So, a fairly active jet stream this week, bringing one system after another,” Kimbell said.
As February officially starts this weekend, Kimbell expects the month to start with windy conditions and a cold front lasting until Tuesday.
After that, he says the conditions become speculative.
