After days of warming weather and gentler conditions, large parts of southern Ontario are set for another cold snap, which will bring more snow and freezing rain from Wednesday.

Weather warnings and advisories stretch from Windsor through Hamilton, Barrie and as far east as Belleville. They include fog, freezing rain and snow.

“The recent calm weather pattern will come to an abrupt end on Wednesday as a frontal system arrives from California,” Global News’ chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell explained.

“Significant amounts of snow, freezing rain and even rain are likely across parts of southern Ontario, with the GTA in line potentially for all three.”

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An orange weather alert for the Kitchener area, for example, predicts “significant” freezing rain, with ice accretion of five to 10 mm likely. Winds could hit as high as 60 km/h.

The prediction in Toronto itself is less severe, with a special weather statement for “hazardous winter conditions” including up to five cm of snow, reduced visiblity and ice pellets.

Some areas — and those that already have significant snow on the ground — could see more.

“The temperature at the surface and also a little higher in the atmosphere will play a crucial role in the precipitation type — and right now I would expect areas that stay mostly snow — (and could) end up with 15 to 20 cm by the end of Wednesday,” Farnell added.

“The highest snow totals will be where a winter storm watch is currently in place.”

Farnell said snow would giveway to ice heading west from Toronto into Hamilton, Kitchener and Guelph.

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Torontonians can finally expect a break from the stretch of extreme cold after last night’s special weather statement ended.

Over the Family Day long weekend, residents can expect above-seasonal temperatures on all three days starting Saturday morning, according to Environment Canada’s forecast.

On Saturday, the daytime high will rise to about 2 C, which is three times warmer than normal temperatures in mid-February.

The pleasant temperatures will also be followed by lots of sunshine carrying through into Sunday, with a daytime high of 4 C.

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On Monday, it’s expected to get slightly warmer with a high of 5 C, which will continue into Tuesday.

While it may not be patio season just yet, Torontonians can welcome the above freezing temperatures after experiencing one of the longest cold snaps in over a decade.

The cold snap, which lasted majority of January and into February, came with wind chills of – 35 on some days, as well as two major snowstorms.

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Extreme cold grips Toronto, wind chills to near -35 C

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A prolonged blast of extreme cold continues to grip southern Ontario, with Environment and Climate Change Canada warning of dangerous wind chills and ongoing health risks.

A level-yellow cold weather warning issued early Saturday states wind chill values of -30 C to -35 C are expected through the morning and afternoon, with similar conditions likely to return overnight.

Extreme wind chills are also expected to bring in blowing snow, which can cause near-zero visibility in some areas.

Environment Canada warns that extreme cold puts everyone at risk, particularly young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and those without adequate shelter.

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Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially in windy conditions.

Officials are urging residents to dress warmly, limit time outdoors, monitor for symptoms such as numbness, colour changes in fingers or toes, chest pain or shortness of breath, and to check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

Drivers are advised to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including blankets and jumper cables.

The cold snap comes as municipalities also contend with hazardous wind conditions.

The City of Mississauga says Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the weekend, warning of wind gusts up to 80 km/h Saturday afternoon and evening.

Residents are being asked to secure loose outdoor items and report downed trees or blocked roads to 311.

According to Global News meteorologist Ross Hull, Friday marked Toronto’s 20th straight day of below-freezing temperatures; The longest cold stretch the city has seen in 11 years.

“Parts of Western Canada have been basking in above-average temperatures because of a ridging pattern there, whereas much of Eastern Canada, including the Great Lakes, have been in the deep freeze,” Hull said.

The last comparable period was in early 2015, when temperatures stayed below zero for 32 consecutive days.

Environment Canada says conditions are expected to remain cold and potentially hazardous, and residents should continue monitoring forecasts and alerts as the prolonged winter weather persists.

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