Snowfall at the end of October isn’t completely unheard of across northern Ontario, but when the first accumulating snow of the season aligns with Halloween, the forecast can seem extra scary. Especially when much of southern Ontario will be basking in late-summer-like warmth with temperatures exceeded 20°C to close out the month.
But ready or not, winter is coming, and special weather statements are now in effect for the 5-10+ cm of snow expected from Wawa to Timmins on Thursday.
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The snow will likely be poorly timed for trick-or-treaters, so the extra layers and snow boots will be a much needed accessory for costumes. Drivers are also urged to adjust to the changing conditions, especially with it being the first snowfall of the season, and one that could slick up roads and surfaces in a hurry.
Be sure to stay up-to-date on the weather warnings in your area, and brace for the changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
Rain will push across northern Ontario Wednesday night into Thursday morning before things take a more wintry spin for Halloween.
From Thunder Bay, along the shores of Lake Superior, and up through Timmins, the rain will be transitioning to snow just as the trick-or-treaters head out on Thursday evening.
There may even be some patchy freezing rain or ice pellets added to the wintry mix on Thursday afternoon and evening, particularly for areas from Wawa to Timmins.
A special weather statement has been issued for the region.
While it is still uncertain exactly how much will accumulate because of the mixed precipitation, between 5-10+ cm is possible in areas that see the heaviest snow. Local amounts could reach 15 cm.
“Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” warns Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the special weather statement.
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Through the evening hours, temperatures will be falling, and with a gusty northeast wind, it will feel like -5 to -10.
Snow is expected to taper to flurries by Friday morning, with a widespread cooldown expected across the province heading into the first weekend of November.
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across northern Ontario
