Parts of GTA bracing for heavy rain that could turn to snow
Toronto and surrounding areas in southern Ontario are bracing for periods of heavy rain expected to begin on Thursday.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for northern and eastern parts of the GTA, calling for approximately 15 to 30 mm of rain, running the risk of localized ponding.
Canada’s weather agency notes that a temperature dip overnight into Friday could lead to light snow in Toronto and parts of the province, most notably cottage country and areas in the north. Peterborough-Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Cornwall and Ottawa are among the regions under a winter storm warning.
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Special weather statements issued for the City of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and Burlington, have since been lifted, but statements remain in effect for York Region, Durham Region, and Caledon.
The City of Toronto will open three warming centres on Friday to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe indoor and warm place to rest. The city says salting operations will be activated when the snow starts to fall and accumulate.
Some GTA regions are also under a fog advisory, with the national weather agency warning near zero visibility. The fog is expected to dissipate later this morning but may continue into the afternoon for some areas.
RELATED: How lack of snow in the GTA could impact snow-dependent attractions and our environment
“Light showers and drizzle will give way to rain, heavy at times, late Thursday afternoon and then change to snow by Friday morning,” Environment Canada said. “Note that the partially frozen ground may have a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.”
CityNews meteorologist Carl Lam says strong winds could accompany the snow by the end of the week.
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“The snow will continue through Friday, and some areas could end up with about 2 to 4 centimetres,” Lam says. “Winds will be quite strong on Friday morning, which could make the morning commute tricky.”
The weather agency says there is still uncertainty on how this Colorado Low will impact southern Ontario, which could ultimately dictate how much rain falls in the next 48 hours.
