Residents across the Greater Toronto Area may need to put any new holiday gifts aside and grab a shovel, as Environment Canada warns of a significant Boxing Day snowfall. A developing low-pressure system is forecast to sweep across Southern Ontario on Friday, December 26, 2025, potentially dropping up to 12 centimetres of snow on the city and creating difficult travel conditions.
Winter Storm Details and Expected Impacts
The federal weather agency issued a snowfall warning for Toronto and a wide swath of the region on Thursday afternoon. Meteorologists indicate the snow will begin tracking from west to east around mid-day on Friday. The precise path of the low-pressure system remains somewhat uncertain, which will ultimately determine the eastern extent of the heaviest snow bands.
Blowing snow is expected to become a hazard in the afternoon, driven by easterly winds gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour. Combined with the accumulating snow, this will significantly reduce visibility on roads and highways. Environment Canada has explicitly cautioned that travel may become hazardous due to the heavy snow.
Regional Forecast and Temperature Outlook
Snowfall amounts will vary across the region, with the hardest-hit areas likely to see between 8 to 12 centimetres. The warning zone stretches north from Haldimand County to Stratford, and extends north to Muskoka and the Kawarthas, reaching eastward to Kingston. Areas north of Georgian Bay and along Lake Huron's northern coast could receive upwards of 15 centimetres, starting as early as Christmas night.
As of Thursday afternoon, special weather statements were in effect for parts of the 905 region, including Brampton south to Woodstock, forecasting up to 10 cm. Meanwhile, a freezing rain warning is active for southwestern Ontario, from Woodstock through London and into Windsor, where up to 10 millimetres of ice accretion is possible beginning Friday morning.
Temperatures will remain seasonally cold. Wind chills in the morning could make it feel as cold as -19°C, improving slightly to -12°C in the afternoon. While Saturday is expected to be dry, Sunday brings a 30% chance of showers with a high of 2°C.
Second Major Snow Event in Days
This marks the second snow-related advisory from Environment Canada in as many days. Earlier in the week, an Alberta clipper brought a mix of snow and freezing rain to the region. The back-to-back systems signal an active and potentially disruptive start to the winter season for Southern Ontario.
Residents are advised to monitor updated forecasts, consider postponing non-essential travel on Friday, and ensure they are prepared for winter driving conditions.
