Lake-effect snow squalls target southern Ontario through midweek

Southern Ontario is entering the new year under the brunt of a stubborn Arctic air mass, paving the way for a multi-day lake-effect snow event that'll keep drivers guessing and snow belts busy until midweek.

A powerful storm has moved north, leaving behind bitterly cold air that will last for days. Daytime highs will stay below freezing, with wind chills expected to feel closer to the minus-20s at times.

Yet, if current forecasts are correct, New Year's Day in Toronto could be the coldest in more than a decade, with a preliminary high of -9ºC, the coldest since 2014.

Snowfall amounts and road conditions may differ greatly from one region to the next, depending on where snow bands form and how long they last.

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Snow squalls bring rapidly changing conditions Tuesday

On Tuesday, lake-effect snow squalls along with blowing snow will hit parts of southwestern and central Ontario, including London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Barrie and the surrounding snowbelt areas.

Visibility may suddenly drop under heavier bands, resulting in hazardous driving conditions over short distances.

Snow squalls however are expected to calm down by Tuesday evening as a weak low-pressure system approaches from the Prairies. Still, the break will be brief in many areas.

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Midweek snow possible as bands shift and expand

By Wednesday morning, the weak system could bring a brief period of widespread snowfall before lake-effect bands continue their meandering pattern.

Some squalls could grow strong enough to move inland toward Highway 401, with brief effects as far east as Toronto on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Conditions are anticipated to gradually improve on Thursday as Arctic air loosens and lake-effect activity decreases, resulting in a more peaceful end to the week.

Stay with The Weather Network for the latest updates across Ontario.