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Toronto under extreme cold weather alert heading into Boxing Day

It may look like a winter wonderland outside, but you may want to bundle up if you want to enjoy the snow this Christmas as the City of Toronto has issued an extreme cold weather alert.

Environment Canada says windchill of up to -25 expected Monday night

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Environment Canada is predicting an extremely cold week for Toronto with a low of – 20 C and a windchill value of – 29 C in the forecast for Wednesday. (Martin Trainor/CBC)

It may look like a winter wonderland outside, but you may want to bundle up if you want to enjoy the snow this Christmas— the City of Toronto has issued an extreme cold weather alert.

Extreme cold weather alerts are typically issued when temperatures reach -15°C or colder or a wind chill of -20°C  or colder.

Environment Canada predicts a dip to -14 C tonight with a windchill of up to -25. The national weather agency says brisk westerly winds are expected to cause blowing snow with exposed areas being particularly vulnerable.

The agency also says people on the roads should adjust their driving when visibility is reduced in blowing snow. 

Flights affected

Snow began blanketing the GTA Sunday afternoon with Pearson International Airport urging passengers to check their flight status before heading out and to take extra time getting to the airport due to the snowfall.

The airport anticipated flight delays and cancellations, but was fully staffed with snow removal and de-icing crews to ensure operations ran smoothly. 

The airport said Monday that the winter weather is affecting flights and is continuing to ask passengers to check their flight status online.
An Air Canada plane on the tarmac amid snow at Toronto's Pearson Airport. The airport says the winter weather is affecting flights this morning. (Jonathan Castell/CBC)

If driving, take it slow

The city is also asking for motorists to go slowly in the snow.  

"Take your time and give yourself extra time to get where you are going," Mark Mills, superintendent of road operations for the City of Toronto said. "Be mindful of our winter maintenance equipment. If you see it out there, it's there to help. Please give us the time and space necessary." 

He also urged drivers to be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. 
Crews will salt expressways and major arterial roads once the snow starts to stick. Once two to five centimetres has accumulated, the city will plow expressways. After five centimetres, it will work on major arterial roads and streetcar routes. And after eight centimetres, it will plow local roads. (Tony Smyth/CBC)

Crews will salt expressways and major arterial roads. After two to five centimetres has accumulated, the city will plow expressways. After five centimetres, it will work on major arterial roads and streetcar routes. And after eight centimetres, it will plow local roads.

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