A massive pool of Arctic air is set to settle over the province this weekend, potentially making Ontario one of the coldest spots on the entire planet.
As the incoming polar vortex spills south, meteorologists are tracking the coldest airmass on Earth moving directly over our region.
By Friday night and into Saturday morning, temperatures are expected to plummet to levels rarely seen outside of extreme Siberian winters, with mid-level atmospheric readings hitting a bone-chilling –50 C in parts of the province.
The arrival of this “Arctic intrusion” means Toronto could be bracing for its coldest night in years. Forecasters are warning that morning lows in the GTA could hit -24 C, the most frigid start since 2016. Even worse, wind chills are expected to make it feel as cold as -32 C across southern Ontario. Ottawa and Eastern Ontario are even worse off, with temperatures potentially reaching -30 C before factoring in wind chill.
While the record-breaking cold is the headline, there’s more. After a brief sunny reprieve on Saturday, a major winter storm currently thumping the United States is expected to swipe Southern Ontario. By Sunday morning, a combination of measurable snow and bitter air will arrive.
Depending on the track of the storm, the Highway 401 corridor could see anywhere from 10 to 20 cm or more of fresh powder, while easterly winds off Lake Ontario could push those totals even higher in certain areas.
If you were planning on heading out, be sure to dress accordingly and stay safe. With wind chills reaching dangerous levels and a generational storm system looming just south of the border, this is the perfect weekend to stay cozy indoors and let the polar vortex pass by.