New Year’s Eve snow in the forecast for southern Ontario

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Published December 31, 2023 at 11:28 am

Warm temperatures and persistent fog marked the unusual end to 2023 in southern Ontario, but it seems that pattern will abruptly change as snow is expected in some areas on New Year’s Eve.

Christmas was mild, dashing hopes for a ‘white Christmas,’ except in the north of Central and Eastern Ontario. However, as the year concludes, a return to colder weather is expected, though temperatures will remain slightly above average.

According to Instant Weather Inc, a cooling trend will begin with the potential of snow accumulation as an Alberta Clipper moves across the region tonight.  Parts of southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe, could see between 2-4 centimetres of snow.

Mississauga, Brampton, Halton, and Hamilton may see 1-2 centimetres of snow with a maximum accumulation of 7 centimetres.

Durham region, if lucky, will receive no snow at all with a potential max of 4 centimetres.

The snow is anticipated to start Saturday night, beginning as light freezing drizzle, especially east of Lake Huron. As Sunday morning approaches, the snowfall will intensify and carry through the afternoon at 1-2 centimetres per hour.

If you’re planning to head out to a New Year’s Eve celebration, travel might be tricky with reduced visibility and slushy roads.

Snowfall is expected to remain south of Lake Simcoe, sparing Central and Eastern Ontario.

“It’s set to wind down just before midnight, with lingering flurries into the early hours of 2024, clearing by sunrise on Monday” Instant Weather notes on its website.

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