Residents across Durham Region should prepare for another round of unsettled winter weather, as Environment Canada is forecasting flurries and a risk of freezing drizzle on March 18. The system is expected to impact much of southern Ontario, including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Pickering, bringing cloudy skies, cold temperatures and potentially hazardous conditions.
The day is expected to begin with increasing cloud cover across Durham Region, as a weather system moves into the Greater Toronto Area. Winds will gradually strengthen through the morning, with gusts reaching up to 40 km/h by midday. While temperatures may hover near the freezing mark, wind chill will make it feel significantly colder.
In areas like Oshawa and surrounding communities, daytime highs are expected to remain around 1°C, but due to wind chill, it could feel closer to -15°C to -18°C. This combination of cold air and wind will make outdoor conditions uncomfortable and could increase the risk of icy surfaces developing.
As the day progresses into the evening, conditions are expected to become more active. There is a 60 per cent chance of flurries later in the day, along with a risk of freezing drizzle, which can create dangerous driving and walking conditions. Freezing drizzle is particularly hazardous because it forms a thin layer of ice that may not be immediately visible on roads and sidewalks.
Overnight, temperatures in Durham Region are expected to drop to around -2°C, with wind chills making it feel closer to -8°C. Continued cloud cover and the potential for lingering precipitation could maintain slippery conditions into the early hours of Thursday.
Looking ahead, Thursday’s forecast brings a mix of weather conditions. Residents can expect periods of rain or snow during the day, with temperatures rising slightly to around 5°C. However, conditions will remain unstable, with a continued 30 per cent chance of flurries or showers into the evening, followed by temperatures dipping again overnight.
Drivers in Durham Region are advised to take extra precautions, particularly during the evening and overnight hours when freezing drizzle is most likely. Reduced visibility, icy patches and changing road conditions can increase the risk of accidents.
Residents are also encouraged to dress appropriately for cold and windy conditions and to monitor weather updates as forecasts may change. As winter conditions continue into mid-March, sudden weather shifts remain common across southern Ontario.
