Snow squall bound for Mississauga, Hamilton, Brampton, Burlington, Oshawa, Oakville, and Milton

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Published February 2, 2023 at 5:22 pm

An intense snow squall, portending the cold front that is arriving in the likes of Mississauga, Hamilton and Burlington, is expected to move through tonight (Feb. 2).

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a weather advisory during the 4 p.m. hour for those cities, as well as Brampton, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Oshawa, and Pickering (as well as the southern Durham Region). It warns of significant reduced visibility due to the heavy, blowing snow. Wind gusts are projected to be in the 50 to 70 km/h range.

Oakville Hydro also reminded residents to stay away from any downed power lilnes.

“Brief, intense snowfall is expected to develop,” ECCC says. “Under the snow squall, visibilities will be significantly reduced due to the heavy snow … Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 5 cm in an hour or two.”

The mass of cold air is projected to push southeastward across southern Ontario at an exceptionally quick speed. Well below seasonal temperatures are to follow. Hamilton, for instance, has an overnight windchill of -26C, which has triggered a cold weather alert.

“Plunging temperatures in the wake of this front will usher in the coldest air of the season thus far,” ECCC adds. “Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common. Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather.”

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