Risk of freezing drizzle this weekend as Toronto digs out from record snowfall
Freezing drizzle is possible this weekend as temperatures drop to -10 C with wind chills near -20 C. Cleanup continues after record Jan. 15 snowfall.
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By Torontoer Staff
Toronto faces a risk of freezing drizzle this weekend while municipal crews continue clearing streets and sidewalks after the city’s largest snowfall event of the season. Temperatures will fall from a daytime high near 1 C on Saturday to about -10 C overnight, with wind chills making it feel closer to -20 C.
Environment Canada recorded 23 centimetres at Pearson Airport on Thursday, the highest total for Jan. 15 in the agency’s historical records, while some neighbourhoods reported as much as 50 centimetres. Continued light snow and mixed precipitation will complicate cleanup and travel as residents return to normal schedules.
Forecast through Monday
Saturday will see a high near 1 C, followed by a rapid drop to about -10 C by evening. Stronger winds will produce wind chill values near -20 C, increasing the risk of frostbite on exposed skin during prolonged outdoor exposure. There is a risk of freezing drizzle Saturday night as temperatures cross the freezing mark.
Sunday will be cloudier with a 30 per cent chance of flurries. Daytime highs will be around -4 C with morning wind chills near -17 C and afternoon wind chills near -10 C. The forecast shows a return to snowy conditions Sunday night, with temperatures again near -10 C overnight.
Monday morning is expected to bring a 60 per cent chance of flurries as light snow continues. Cumulative additional snowfall through Monday is not expected to match the totals from Thursday, but freezing drizzle in the transition periods could create slick surfaces.
We are monitoring a period of mixed precipitation that could produce freezing drizzle in the late hours of Saturday and into Sunday, especially where surface temperatures remain at or just below freezing.
Environment Canada meteorologist
Impact on schools, transit and roads
Many elementary students across the Greater Toronto Area are scheduled to return to class on Monday after a four-day interruption that included Thursday’s storm and board professional activity days. Boards have advised parents to expect potential delays rather than widespread closures, but individual school transportation issues remain possible.
Public transit and roads remain affected. TTC and GO Transit reported delays and temporary schedule adjustments as crews prioritise main routes, while city plows continue to clear arterial roads and collect snow from priority areas. Sidewalk clearing is ongoing, but overnight refreezing and light precipitation could create hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Allow extra travel time and expect delays on buses, streetcars and commuter rail.
- Watch for black ice and freezing drizzle on secondary streets and sidewalks.
- Keep a clear path to your front door and the sidewalk in front of your property to help pedestrians.
- Check school board and transit websites for real-time updates before travel.
Snowfall totals and city response
Environment Canada’s preliminary observations put the official reading at 23 centimetres at Pearson Airport for Thursday’s system, making it the snowiest Jan. 15 on record for the station. Local reports from across Toronto recorded substantially higher accumulations in sheltered pockets and neighbourhoods.
The City of Toronto said ploughing and salting operations continue on major roads and that residential streets are being cleared on a priority schedule. Crews remain active overnight to address windrows and packed snow that can impede traffic and block sidewalks.
Crews will continue around-the-clock operations to restore key routes and improve conditions on residential streets. Residents should expect ongoing work and temporary lane restrictions while snow removal is underway.
City of Toronto spokesperson
Safety and preparation
Freezing drizzle can create a thin layer of ice that is difficult to see and quickly causes slippery conditions. Motorists should reduce speed, increase following distances and avoid sudden braking. Pedestrians should wear appropriate footwear and take care on steps and sloped sidewalks.
- Monitor Environment Canada weather alerts and local transit advisories.
- Keep phone batteries charged and carry an emergency kit if driving.
- Clear accumulated snow from vehicles and around walkways to reduce hazards.
- Dress in layers and limit time outside when wind chills are extreme.
Officials expect conditions to improve gradually after Monday, but intermittent flurries and below-freezing temperatures will keep the risk of icy surfaces in place into the middle of next week. Residents should continue to plan for slower travel and take precautions when walking or driving.
Toronto weathersnowfreezing drizzleEnvironment CanadaCity services
