Southern Ontario is currently locked in its most significant cold snap in over a decade, with meteorologists warning of a high-impact “Alberta clipper” set to arrive Friday, 6 February 2026. While Wiarton Willie recently predicted an early spring, the immediate reality for residents is a dangerous combination of arctic air, 90 km/h wind gusts, and wind chills approaching -40°C.
As of Thursday, 5 February 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada has maintained cold warnings across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and much of the southern region. Although some alerts may briefly lift by Sunday morning, the long-range outlook suggests sub-zero temperatures will persist until mid-to-late February, marking the longest continuous freeze the province has seen since 2015.
Friday Clipper and Weekend Outlook
A low-pressure system is expected to sweep through the province tomorrow, bringing a brief but intense burst of snow. Forecasters anticipate 4 cm to 8 cm of accumulation by Friday evening, but the primary concern remains the “flash freeze” and whiteout conditions caused by strong winds.
- Wind Speeds: Gusts up to 80–90 km/h are possible Friday afternoon.
- Extreme Cold: Wind chills are forecast to reach -35°C to -40°C in some areas, posing a high risk of frostbite within minutes.
- Travel Impact: High-impact travel is expected for the Friday evening commute across the GTA, Hamilton, and Ottawa.
Regional Temperature Trends
The current winter has proven more severe than previous years, with Waterloo Region reporting nearly twice the average amount of snow for January. In Toronto, daily highs have struggled to rise above -4°C this week, with overnight lows consistently dipping into the double digits.
| Location | Forecast Low (Feb 5/6) | Wind Chill Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto / GTA | -15°C | -30°C to -35°C |
| Hamilton | -19°C | -35°C |
| St. Catharines | -5°C (Evening) | Moderate Flurries |
| Ottawa | -22°C | -40°C |
The “Early Spring” Contradiction
Public sentiment remains divided following Groundhog Day on 2 February. While Ontario’s own Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow, prognosticating an early spring, the arrival of the “polar vortex” this week has led many to side with Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, who predicted six more weeks of winter. Current meteorological data supports the latter, with March 2026 expected to begin with a transitional stretch of flurries and snow showers before any sustained warmth arrives.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure during the Friday clipper and ensure vehicles are equipped with emergency winter kits as the province navigates this historic cold snap.