What to know
Toronto will experience its coldest temperatures of the season this weekend, with Friday night dipping to -22°C.
Saturday morning could be the coldest morning of winter so far, with temperatures around -15°C.
Frostbite and cold stress remain serious risks for pets, children, and seniors.
The following weeks are expected to remain colder than normal, so Torontonians should dress warmly and limit time outdoors.
Prepare yourselves, Toronto – this weekend is projected to bring the coldest temperatures of the season so far.
On Friday night, temperatures are expected to plummet to -22 C overnight, before rising slightly to -15 C by Saturday morning, which Environment Canada says may be “the coldest morning of the winter.”
The agency notes the temperatures are far below seasonal averages.
“The normal high for this time of year in the Toronto area is -2 C, so -15 is a lot colder than that. The normal low is -10 C, and so that -22 C, again, is significantly colder than that,” Environment Canada Meteorologist Jeff Folsom told Now Toronto on Wednesday.
He advised Torontonians to take the extreme cold seriously, particularly when driving, as even short exposure outside can be risky if a vehicle breaks down. He also urged care for pets, children, and seniors, all of whom are more susceptible to frostbite and cold stress.
“If you don’t need to be outside for long periods of time, obviously, staying indoors is better,” Folsom stressed. “If you need to spend time outside, dress appropriately with appropriate winter boots, hats, and mitts.”
Looking ahead past Saturday, Folsom warns the following few weeks are also expected to be colder than normal.
TORONTO FORECAST THIS WEEK
Wednesday morning saw five to 10 cm of snow across Toronto, with a high of -1 C and a low of -6 C, and wind chill making it feel colder.
On Thursday, Toronto can expect a mix of cloud and sun with a chance of flurries, with a daytime high of -5 C and a low of 12 C.
Friday is expected to be cloudy and windy, with a high of -9 C and a low of -22 C.
Sunny conditions are expected on Saturday, with a high of -15 C and a low of -18 C.
And on Sunday, expect periods of snow, with a high of -9 C and a low of -12 C.