Alberta Clipper arrives in GTA - Discover Hidden USA

An Alberta clipper system brought snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. While conditions have improved in some areas, ongoing cold temperatures and the potential for further snowfall remain concerns for the region.

Current Conditions and Travel Impacts

The snowfall warning for the City of Toronto has been lifted. However, a snowfall advisory remains in effect for municipalities within the southern Durham Region. Environment Canada initially warned that up to 10 cm of snow could fall on Wednesday, with the snow expected to end in the late afternoon or early evening.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) reported service disruptions, with buses bypassing certain stops due to weather conditions. Specifically, the 29 Dufferin bus route was not stopping near Dufferin Street at Davenport Road North Side. Salters were deployed in Mississauga to address ongoing flurries.

Did You Know? Fluctuating temperatures and wind action have prevented consistent ice formation on Lake Ontario and within the Toronto Harbour, making any new ice unstable and unsafe.

Regional Variations in Snowfall

According to Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Geoff Coulson, snowfall amounts varied across the GTA. Eastern parts of the region, including Scarborough, Pickering, Oshawa, and Whitby, were expected to receive closer to 10 centimetres of snow. Downtown and western areas of the GTA were likely to see around five centimetres.

Coulson explained that lake effect snow continues to contribute to the system, with heavier amounts possible overnight and into Thursday in areas near Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Flurries are also possible in Toronto on Thursday.

Looking Ahead: Continued Cold and Potential for More Snow

The current weather event is occurring during an extended cold snap. Temperatures are expected to dip to a low of -22 C on Friday and reach a daytime high of only -15 C on Saturday. Environment Canada anticipates “the coldest air of the season” this weekend, along with very cold wind chills.

Another potential system is being monitored for Sunday, which could bring significant additional snowfall to the GTA. While the exact amount of snow remains unclear, models suggest a potential accumulation of 10 to 20 centimetres, or even more due to the cold temperatures and less dense snow.

Expert Insight: The combination of an existing cold snap and the potential for further snowfall highlights the challenges of winter weather in the GTA, impacting both daily commutes and overall safety. The varying snowfall amounts across the region underscore the localized nature of these weather events.

Safety Concerns and Public Alerts

OPP Sergeant Kerry Schmidt warned of blowing snow reducing visibility for drivers, particularly north of Toronto. Toronto police issued a warning regarding the unstable ice conditions on Lake Ontario and within the Toronto Harbour. No school bus cancellations were reported in advance of Wednesday’s weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are still under a snowfall advisory?

Municipalities within the southern Durham Region remain under a snowfall advisory as of Wednesday afternoon.

How much snow is expected on Sunday?

It is not clear how much snow the GTA could see on Sunday, but models are predicting between 10 and 20 centimetres, possibly more.

Are there any current TTC service disruptions?

The TTC reported that buses are bypassing some problematic stops due to weather conditions, specifically on the 29 Dufferin route near Dufferin Street and Davenport Road North Side.

As the GTA braces for continued cold and the possibility of more snow, how do you prepare for winter weather in your community?