Southern Ontario is in for a cold and blustery day on Thursday, February 26, 2026, as a combination of flurries and wind chill makes it feel like -18°C in some areas, including parts of Durham Region. Environment Canada has issued a warning for frigid conditions across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and other regions of southern Ontario, urging residents to prepare for a day of cold temperatures and winter weather.
The morning will start with a mix of sunny and cloudy conditions across the GTA, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Durham Region (including Oshawa and Pickering), Hamilton, and Niagara Falls. Winds will be moderate, ranging between 15 and 20 km/h throughout the morning, making the already chilly temperatures feel even colder.
In Mississauga, temperatures are expected to be around -1°C during the day, but the wind chill will make it feel like -15°C in the morning. By the afternoon, the temperature will rise slightly to -3°C, but the cold will still be biting due to the wind chill. However, the wind chill effect will be even more pronounced in other parts of the region.
In Hamilton, Oshawa, Pickering, and Niagara Falls, the temperature will feel more like -18°C due to the cold winds and frigid conditions. The wind will make these areas feel significantly colder than the actual temperature, and residents are encouraged to bundle up and take extra precautions when heading outdoors.
Later in the day, residents can expect flurries to develop in the GTA and surrounding regions. According to Environment Canada, there will be a 30% chance of flurries in Mississauga, which will continue into the evening hours. These light snow showers are expected to move across southern Ontario, with a low likelihood of significant accumulation. Flurries will be especially prominent in areas like Toronto, Hamilton, and parts of Durham Region, including Oshawa and Pickering.
The winds will gradually die down as the evening progresses. By early evening, the winds will drop to around 20 km/h, bringing some relief from the gusty conditions of the day. However, temperatures will still remain quite low.
The low temperature on Thursday night is expected to be around -6°C in Mississauga, but the wind chill will make it feel closer to -10°C. In other parts of southern Ontario, including Hamilton and Pickering, the temperature could feel as cold as -18°C overnight due to the persistent wind chill.
Looking ahead to Friday, February 27, conditions are expected to improve slightly, with sunny skies during the day and a high of 6°C in Mississauga. However, the weather will remain unpredictable, with a 30% chance of flurries in the evening and temperatures dropping to 0°C overnight. The wind chill factor will also continue to be a concern, especially for anyone planning to be outside for extended periods.
As the cold weather continues into the weekend, it’s important for residents to monitor updates from Environment Canada and stay prepared for any unexpected weather changes. Dressing in layers, wearing hats, gloves, and scarves, and limiting time spent outdoors during the coldest parts of the day will help ensure safety.
