Winter Returns to Southern Ontario

Southern Ontario is experiencing a return to winter weather conditions on April 7, 2026, as an Arctic air mass causes plunging temperatures and snow bursts across the region. The shift in weather is the result of a deepening trough across southern Ontario that is siphoning Arctic air from Nunavut, leading to a drastic impact on regional temperatures and travel conditions.

The weather system brought temperatures down into the single digits, with snow bursts occurring from the overnight hours of April 6 into the morning of April 7, 2026. Meteorologists have warned of slippery roads and tricky travel conditions as the system moves through the province.

Regional Snowfall and Wind Impacts

Snow totals are generally expected to remain below 3 cm, although locally, accumulations of 5 cm or more are possible for eastern regions. An upper-level trough is expected to enhance snowfall totals specifically in eastern Ontario and the eastern portions of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

While snow is expected to depart early on April 7 for the GTA, it may linger through the morning and early afternoon in eastern Ontario. Other regions have also reported intense weather; reports indicate that brief but intense snowfall has affected drivers in Sudbury and the Quinte region, while heavy snow has impacted road conditions in Orillia.

Accompanying the snowfall are blustery winds with gusts ranging between 40 and 60 km/h. These winds are contributing to reduced visibility during snow bursts, further complicating travel across southern Ontario.

Temperature Drops and Wind Chills

The arrival of the Arctic air mass has resulted in a sharp cooldown. On the morning of April 7, 2026, wind chills are expected to reach minus double digits. Daytime highs for the region are forecast to remain below freezing across most of southern and eastern Ontario.

Current forecasts indicate that daytime temperatures are between 7°C and 9°C below normal, with overall highs expected to be five to 10 degrees below typical April averages.

Broader Provincial Context and Outlook

The volatile weather pattern is not limited to the south. In Northern Ontario, Thunder Bay recently experienced April storms that brought as much as 25 cm of snow to the city.

Despite the current chill, the temperature pattern is expected to shift again later in the week. According to The Weather Network, the region will see a warm-up as temperatures ramp up by Thursday, April 9, 2026.