PHOTOS: Quick snap into winter with first major snow in the GTA
Just like that — winter weather arrived in a hurry with the first accumulating snowfall of the season across the Greater Toronto Area this week
Snow in November is certainly not unheard of across southern Ontario, but after you start the month with record-breaking 20°C temperatures, it may feel a little harsher to handle.
From shorts to snow brushes, it was a pretty quick snap into the winter-like weather across the region, as temperatures began to fall through the weekend and the first measurable snowfall coated grass and roadways on Tuesday and into Wednesday. A widespread winter weather travel advisory also covered most of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), warning drivers to brace for the changing conditions — likely the first bout of winter driving for many so far this season.
SEE ALSO: Toronto sets a new record for latest date below 0°C
Tuesday saw snow squalls pop up around GTA, leading to difficult travel and some quick accumulations. A low-pressure system then made its way over Lake Erie Tuesday evening, bringing a more widespread coating of about 5 cm of snow. Typical of mid-November events, temperatures were marginal with accumulations highly impacted by elevation and distance from the Great Lakes.
Love it or hate it, this first brush with winter is only a sign of what's to come. Forecasters are now eyeing a multi-day lake-effect snow squall event, one that could bring some significant impacts to travel through the weekend.
The hardest hit region will be the Buffalo area with 50-80+ cm of snow expected, though eyes are also on southern parts of the Niagara region as the heavy snow squall will drift north into this region at times, with 30-50 cm of snow possible between Niagara Falls and Fort Erie.
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Colder than seasonal temperatures will continue into early next week as well.
Here's a closer look at the first measurable snow that hit the GTA this week:
WATCH: First accumulating snowfall hits the GTA as morning commute impacted
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Ontario.
