'Snow parade' to impact Ontario for this weekend and well beyond

December marks the arrival of consistent wintry weather as a series of Alberta clippers are set to affect Ontario this weekend and into next week. These fast-moving systems, originating from Alberta, typically bring cold air, light to moderate snowfall, and gusty conditions.

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A steady storm track is establishing from Western Canada to the Great Lakes. Several clippers will travel this path, impacting areas from northern to southern Ontario. Be sure to stay alert to the changing conditions, and prepare for travel impacts at times.

Parade of snowy clippers to bring wintry weather through next week

The first clipper will move through northeastern regions from Friday into Saturday morning. Another system is on track to affect southern and eastern Ontario Sunday morning, with a third expected Tuesday, targeting northern and eastern areas.

Each of the first two systems is likely to bring light snowfall amounts, around 3-5 cm. However, locally heavier snowfall could develop in lake-effect snow bands forming in the cold air behind these systems.

The most significant system in this sequence is anticipated late Tuesday into Wednesday. This clipper is expected to have more moisture, possibly leading to heavier snow and higher local accumulations across the province, including Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa, and northeastern Ontario. It’s still early to pinpoint totals, but winter weather impacts are likely mid-week.

Although a major storm is not expected, the Alberta clippers will affect travel and commutes while contributing to building a decent snowpack across the region.

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Frigid start to next week with mid-winter cold expected across the region

A cold start to next week is forecast, with mid-winter conditions bringing overnight lows in the minus double digits. Rural areas are expected to drop to -15°C to -20°C, while cottage country could experience temperatures well into the -20s.

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Colder-than-normal conditions are anticipated to persist through much of December. Although a few milder days may occur, no significant shift in the weather pattern is expected this month.

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