Spooky Snow May Appear in Parts of Ontario to Kick Off Halloween Week

Halloween Week Ontario has seen mostly calm and mild weather throughout October, with temperatures occasionally rising above seasonal averages and little precipitation. Colder air is returning in the days leading up to Halloween, signaling the possibility of a wintry surprise.

Earlier this week, temperatures soared to the highest teens and low twenties, but now there’s a noticeable chill. The warm air is retreating from Southern and Northern Ontario.

Temperatures in the province are forecast to be near or just below freezing on Sunday morning. Highs will struggle to rise above single digits in Central and Eastern Ontario in the afternoon.

It is forecast that a weak weather system will move into Northeastern Ontario and then move into Central Ontario by the afternoon on Sunday Halloween Week. Rain showers are likely to fall in areas like Sault Ste. Muskoka, Saint Marie, Sudbury, and North Bay.

Temperatures will drop rapidly after sunset as colder air continues to push southward, allowing rain to turn to wet snow. Temperatures on the ground are expected to stay above freezing until after midnight, but colder air moving in aloft may lead to snowfall during the night.

Eventually, precipitation will reach Bancroft, Kingston, and possibly Ottawa. Ottawa itself may not see any snowflakes, as a dry air pocket could limit snowfall, keeping moisture to the south.

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Areas including Sudbury, North Bay, Algonquin Park, and Ottawa Valley will suffer a “hard freeze” over the next few days. Plants that are sensitive to freezing can die during a hard freeze.

Some areas may experience a dusting of 2-3 cm of snow by Monday morning as a result of the drop in temperature.

Despite its small amount, it could cause slippery conditions on the roads, which will result in a slower and more hazardous commute on Monday morning.
Central and Eastern Ontario may experience light flurries through the end of Monday morning, followed by gradual clearing around noon.

Snow that accumulates will likely melt slowly with temperatures hovering near the freezing mark throughout the day. Motorists are advised to exercise caution as wet or slushy conditions might persist for a longer period.

Warm weather is expected to return by midweek, breaking the cold spell. Warmer weather should reach Southwestern Ontario by Tuesday, with Central and Eastern Ontario following suit by Wednesday.

However, milder weather may come with some rain. Southern Ontario is forecast to receive 15-30 mm of rainfall between late Tuesday and Wednesday as a fast-moving weather system passes through.

The exact track of the rain is unclear, but some models suggest it could shift northward, affecting the area differently.

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Halloween Week is fast approaching, and many Ontarians are wondering what the weather will be like. Southern Ontario could see widespread rain this afternoon and into the evening, according to forecasts. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper teens in the afternoon, but will then cool down to the high teens or even upper single digits by Halloween.

Rain timing is still controversial among models. The heaviest rain might fall earlier in the day, but clouds could clear by evening, particularly in Southwestern Ontario. Eastern Ontario could be among the last regions to clear.

Prepare yourself for the weather-related ‘tricks’ and ‘treats’ that may come your way as we get closer to Halloween!

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