Toronto Weather After First Snow: Chilly, Wet, Windy Week Ahead

Toronto is officially entering its winter phase after recording the season’s first measurable snowfall on Sunday. The city woke up to slick roads, biting winds, and the first taste of winter commuting challenges. Environment Canada warns that snow and rain will continue to linger through the early part of the week, bringing with it cold temperatures and gusty winds that will make it feel much colder than the actual readings.

As Remembrance Day approaches, the forecast points to a cold and damp start to the week before a slight warming trend midweek. However, residents should still expect flurries, intermittent rain, and overnight freezing temperatures. From bundled-up commutes to careful travel planning, this week’s weather will test Torontonians’ readiness for the long winter ahead.

Overview

Toronto stepped into winter mode with the season’s first snowfall on Sunday, and the chill is not finished yet. The city faces several days of unsettled weather marked by lingering flurries, bouts of rain, and brisk winds that push wind chills into negative double digits at times. While conditions trend a touch milder by Tuesday for Remembrance Day ceremonies, the overall pattern remains damp and cool through the end of the week. Expect slick sidewalks, messy intersections, and slower travel, especially during early mornings and late evenings when surfaces can refreeze.

Short Summary

Details	Information
Headline	First snowfall followed by a chilly and wet week across Toronto
Main Impacts	Lingering snow and rain, strong gusts, harsh wind chills, slick commutes
Peak Cold	Wind chills near negative double digits, especially at night and early morning
Remembrance Day	Slightly milder on Tuesday for ceremonies with a risk of flurries or light rain
Mid to Late Week	Cloudy with on and off showers and gradual moderation of temperatures
Advisories Mentioned	Special weather statement for 5 to 10 cm of snow and gusty winds
Best Commuter Window	Tuesday afternoon looks relatively calmer compared to Monday morning
Official Site Link	www.weather.gc.ca

What Happened on Sunday

Snow and wind: A special weather statement early Sunday called for 5 to 10 cm of snow across the city. Northeasterly gusts were forecast to reach up to 50 km/h, with a daytime high near 1 C.
Evening tapering: Snow eased late Sunday. Skies turned partly cloudy with a 60 percent chance of flurries. Northern gusts near 40 km/h made the overnight low of minus 5 C feel closer to minus 11.

This setup primed roads and sidewalks for patchy ice, especially in shaded areas and on overpasses. Any untreated slush likely crusted over by daybreak.

Day by Day Forecast

Monday

Morning: Cloudy and biting cold. High near minus 1 C, but it will feel more like minus 12 in the early commute. Northwest wind gusts up to 20 km/h. Around a 30 percent chance of flurries.
Afternoon: Still brisk. Wind chill near minus 2 as winds ease a little.
Evening and overnight: Cloudy with a 60 percent chance of snow. Low near minus 2 C, feeling like minus 7.

Commuter note: Expect slower than normal traffic. Watch for black ice and slushy transitions on curb lanes and crosswalks.

Tuesday (Remembrance Day)

Daytime: Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of flurries that could mix to spotty rain in the afternoon. High near 3 C, a slight improvement for outdoor ceremonies.
Evening: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of light flurries or drizzle. Low near 0 C.

Ceremony comfort: Layers are key. A thermal base, insulated mid layer, wind resistant outer shell, warm gloves, and a hat will make a noticeable difference if you are standing outdoors.

Wednesday

Pattern: Transition to a milder, wetter setup.
Conditions: Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Daytime high near 7 C. Night low near 3 C.

Travel tip: Rain and leftover grit from salting can create slick film on bike lanes. Brake early.

Thursday

Conditions: Another mostly cloudy day with a 40 percent chance of showers. High near 6 C. Low near 2 C.

Umbrella or hood: Light rain gear should suffice. Winds do not look as aggressive as the start of the week.

Friday

Conditions: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain. High near 4 C. Low near 0 C.

Refreeze watch: Evening temperatures near freezing could produce patchy ice where rain falls late.

Saturday

Conditions: Predominantly cloudy. Daytime high near 6 C. Nighttime low near 4 C.

Weekend outlook: Cool and gray but less severe. Outdoor plans are workable with waterproof layers.

Impacts and Planning Tips

Dress for wind chill
Actual temperatures tell part of the story. Wind makes it feel significantly colder. A wind blocking outer layer and warm accessories will boost comfort during errands or ceremonies.
Commute margins
Leave 10 to 15 extra minutes for the Monday morning drive or transit connections. Expect splashback from passing vehicles and reduced visibility in passing showers later in the week.
Footwear matters
Choose boots with grip. Salt and slush can make curb cuts, streetcar islands, and subway stairs slippery.
Vehicle readiness
Top up washer fluid rated for subzero temperatures. Clear snow from the entire vehicle, including roof and lights. Keep a small scraper and gloves in the glove box.
Health and safety
Take shorter, brisk walks instead of one long exposure if you feel the cold strongly. If you supervise children or older adults outdoors, plan warmup breaks.

Why the Pattern Looks This Way

Cold air settled in behind a weekend system that delivered the first measurable snow. As that system moved away, it left gusty winds and lingering moisture, supporting flurries. By midweek, milder Pacific influences and passing disturbances increase cloud cover and bring periodic showers. The result is a back and forth pattern with temperatures hovering near freezing at night and a few degrees above freezing by day.

Practical Checklist

Charge phones and portable batteries in case weather slows commutes.
Keep a compact umbrella and a sealable bag for storing wet gloves.
Use a reflective band or light for early morning dog walks.
If cycling, run wider tires with good tread and lower pressure slightly for grip.
Salt or sand home steps and walkways before the Monday morning rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will Remembrance Day ceremonies be affected by the weather

Ceremonies should proceed, but attendees should expect cloudy skies, a cool breeze, and a small chance of light flurries or drizzle. Plan warm layers and waterproof outerwear.

2) Why do wind chills feel so harsh even when the thermometer is not far below zero

Wind strips away the thin layer of warm air that surrounds your body, increasing heat loss. This makes exposed skin feel colder and can reduce comfort and dexterity quickly.

3) Is black ice a risk this week

Yes. Any evening rain or daytime melt can refreeze near or below zero at night, especially on bridges, shaded sidewalks, and parking ramps.

4) When will conditions become more comfortable

Tuesday afternoon offers a modest improvement. Mid to late week stays cool but becomes more consistently above freezing during the day, with showers instead of flurries.

5) Where can I find official updates and statements

Check Environment and Climate Change Canada’s weather portal at www.weather.gc.ca for updated statements, advisories, and hourly forecasts.

Final Takeaway

Toronto’s first snow of the season set the tone for a chilly, unsettled stretch. Expect cold wind chills, spotty flurries, and then a shift to light rain and clouds through the week. Monday is the toughest commute, Tuesday improves slightly for ceremonies, and mid to late week trends milder but damp. Plan layers, protect against wind, allow extra travel time, and monitor official updates if additional statements or advisories are issued.