Residents across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) should prepare for another round of winter-like conditions as flurries and strong winds are expected on March 14, according to Environment Canada.
The weather forecast indicates that Saturday morning will begin with cloudy skies and a chance of light snowfall across southern Ontario. Communities including Oshawa, Pickering, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and Niagara Falls could see a 30 per cent chance of flurries during the morning and early afternoon hours.
Although snowfall amounts are not expected to be significant, the combination of light snow and strong winds may create uncomfortable conditions for people travelling or spending time outdoors.
Environment Canada reports that northwest winds could gust up to 50 km/h throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including parts of Durham Region. These winds may reduce visibility during flurries and make the air feel much colder than the actual temperature.
The daytime high for Saturday is expected to reach around 1°C in Mississauga and approximately 3°C in Toronto, with similar temperatures expected across neighbouring communities including Oshawa and Pickering.
However, wind chill values will make temperatures feel significantly colder during the morning hours. Meteorologists say the wind chill could make it feel closer to –10°C early in the day, especially in open areas where wind speeds are stronger.
Despite the chilly start, skies are expected to gradually clear later in the afternoon as the weather system moves out of the region. The clearer conditions should bring a brief period of calmer weather before another round of precipitation arrives overnight.
Saturday night will see increasing cloud cover across southern Ontario, with the possibility of light snow developing before midnight. Temperatures are expected to fall to around –4°C overnight, although wind chill could again make it feel closer to –9°C.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the weather pattern will remain unsettled across the region. Forecasts suggest periods of snow or rain could develop throughout the day, accompanied by continued windy conditions.
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to climb slightly, reaching around 4°C in the GTA and Durham Region. While snow is possible earlier in the day, the precipitation may transition to rain in some areas as temperatures rise.
Environment Canada also notes there is about a 60 per cent chance of showers by Sunday evening, which could lead to wet road conditions across much of southern Ontario.
Despite the wintry weekend forecast, the start of the new week could bring a brief return of milder temperatures. Meteorologists say Monday may see temperatures rise to around 13°C, although there remains a possibility of showers.
Weather experts say these fluctuating conditions are common during mid-March in Ontario, when cold winter air masses often collide with warmer spring systems moving across the region.
Residents in Durham Region are advised to stay updated with local weather forecasts and exercise caution when travelling during periods of flurries or strong winds.
Drivers should be particularly mindful of changing road conditions, reduced visibility and sudden wind gusts, especially on highways and open roadways.
