Residents across the Greater Toronto Area were greeted by an unexpected white landscape on Sunday morning as the season's first substantial snowfall blanketed the region. The early arrival of winter weather served as a sharp reminder that colder temperatures are settling in, even with the official start of winter still over a month away.
Weather System Brings Widespread Snow
Environment Canada issued special weather statements for a vast swath of Southern Ontario, stretching from London through Toronto and all the way to Ottawa. The meteorological culprit is a low-pressure system moving through the region, which is expected to deliver between five to ten centimetres of snowfall in the Toronto area before tapering off into the evening.
The national weather agency has cautioned that uncertainty remains regarding the precise track of this system, meaning these projected snowfall amounts could change. Areas from Stratford to Orillia and further northwest may see different totals, as the higher accumulations are currently forecast to remain to the southeast.
Short-Lived Snow and Safety Warnings
While the sight of snow so early might be disheartening for some, there is a silver lining. The white stuff is not expected to linger for long. Forecasts from Environment Canada predict milder temperatures returning early in the week, with highs reaching 4°C on Tuesday and a balmy 6°C on Wednesday, which should help melt the accumulation quickly.
Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution. The weather statement explicitly warns drivers to expect difficult winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. The poor weather is likely to contribute to transportation delays across the region.
City Response to Falling Temperatures
In response to the plunging temperatures, which were expected to drop to -5°C on Sunday, The Canadian Press reported that the City of Toronto opened a select number of new shelter spaces for its homeless population. This proactive measure aims to protect the most vulnerable from the harsh conditions brought by this first cold snap of the season.
Meanwhile, the season's inaugural snowfall was not confined to Ontario. Southern and central Quebec, including Montreal, were also bracing for their first taste of winter, with forecasts calling for nearly ten centimetres of snow through Monday.
