Weather Whiplash: Temperatures Plummet Friday

After a warm Thursday across the region with some areas even reaching 10ºC, temperatures will really begin tumbling early Friday morning, bringing much different conditions through the day. You will want some extra time for your Friday morning commute with icy road conditions likely across the area.

Special Weather Statements have been issued across the region from Environment Canada. They state that rapidly falling temperatures will create icy and slippery conditions. The morning commute on Friday will likely be slow, especially on untreated roadways. Residual water, slush and moisture will freeze, and some snow is expected on top of the ice.

Strong wind gusts are also expected across the region, with many areas likely seeing wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h. Areas along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario will see wind gusts of 80 to 90 km/h, where Wind Warnings are in effect. Special Weather Statements for the rest of the region also state 60 to 80 km/h wind gusts are expected. Loose objects should be secured. Blowing and drifting snow is expected, leading to poor travel conditions.

The other story will be snow squalls developing off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Snow Squall Watches have been issued by Environment Canada. There will likely be widespread narrow bands of heavy snow across the entire region through the day tomorrow, which will lead to rapid reductions in visibility and Trace to 5 centimetres of accumulation.

The best chance for accumulating snow will be in the traditional snowbelt regions, with 5 to 15 centimetres expected. With strong wind gusts, travel conditions are expected to be poor due to blowing and drifting snow, leading to reduced visibility and snow covered roadways.

Rainfall Warnings are also in effect tonight, as some areas will see 20 to 30 millimetres of rain through tomorrow morning. Localized flooding will be possible.