Southern Ontario Set for a Wintry Setback as Lake-Effect Snow and Gusty Winds Return
Southern Ontario enjoyed a brief taste of spring to kick off the week, but winter isn’t done just yet. Cold air and strong winds are set to return Tuesday, bringing a round of lake-effect snow to parts of the region.
After milder temperatures in recent days, a sharp drop is expected as cold air rushes back in. The chill will trigger lake-effect snow flurries, especially near Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, while blustery winds of 50–70 km/h sweep across the region.
Though the snowfall won’t match what northern Ontario saw on Monday, it will still be enough to create hazardous travel in traditional snowbelt areas. Snow totals are expected to stay relatively light—around 5+ cm near Lake Huron and less than 3 cm near Georgian Bay.
As the trough pushes through on Tuesday, lake-effect snow will intensify during the morning and may persist into early Wednesday. Areas along the escarpment are likely to see the highest accumulations, while minor flurries could drift into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), though they won’t linger.
Parry Sound could see 1–3 cm, with higher local amounts possible along the escarpment.
Looking ahead to the Easter weekend, a reinforcing shot of Arctic air will keep temperatures below seasonal averages. Although a warming trend is possible toward the end of April, don’t expect an immediate switch to spring-like conditions. Several warmer days could bring some welcome relief from the chilly start to the month.
It’s not unusual for snow to linger into April across southern Ontario—especially in snowbelt regions. Even Toronto has recorded April snowfalls, and occasionally even into May.
Drivers should stay alert for changing road conditions and check local weather alerts before traveling.
