The frigid temperatures caused by a polar vortex have blanketed much of Canada in recent days as some areas in the Prairies experienced wind chill temperatures into -40s. There are also orange alerts in place across the Prairies.
Severe cold weather has also led to flight delays or cancellations at most of Canada’s major airports.
More than 60 per cent of more than 900 flights arriving and departing Toronto Pearson International Airport were cancelled between Saturday and Sunday, according to the airport’s website. Another 10 per cent were delayed.
Pearson is advising passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport as the storm is impacting flight operations.
Sunday’s winter storm is the second major snowfall hitting Canada’s most populous city in a little over a week.
“Toronto residents are encouraged to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel today,” the City of Toronto said in a social media post Sunday morning.
“Get groceries and medications earlier in the day, if possible and only if you have to.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 25, 2026.
The Canadian Press