Winter Weather Forecast: Friday Update
## Toronto Snowstorm – January 2026
This report details a significant snowstorm that impacted Toronto and the Greater toronto Area (GTA) in January 2026, based on initial reports and subsequent verification. As of January 16, 2026, at 12:42:00, the situation is evolving, and cleanup efforts are underway.
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snowfall Totals and Impact
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The Toronto area experienced significant snowfall beginning on Thursday,January 15th,2026. At Environment and Climate Change Canada,Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded approximately 22 cm of snow over a 24-hour period. Areas further north, specifically Scarborough North, received significantly higher accumulations, ranging from 48 to 53 cm. CP24 reported these varying totals.
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School and Municipal Closures
The severity of the storm led to widespread closures across the GTA. Elementary and high schools, daycares, and universities were shuttered, along with some recreation centres and municipal buildings in areas outside of the City of Toronto itself. This decision was made to ensure public safety given the hazardous travel conditions. No specific list of closed institutions was immediately available from a central source, but local school boards and municipal websites would have provided details.
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Major Snowstorm Condition Declared
The City of Toronto officially declared a Major Snowstorm Condition in response to the significant snowfall. This declaration activates specific bylaws designed to facilitate snow removal and maintain city operations. The City of toronto’s official emergency management page details the criteria and procedures for such declarations.
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City Response and Bylaws
According to a City of Toronto spokesperson cited by CP24, the Major Snowstorm Condition allows the municipality to enact bylaws, including the designation of snow routes where parking is prohibited to allow for efficient plowing. The city is also authorized to move accumulated snow to designated storage sites. Details regarding specific snow route locations are available on the City of Toronto’s Winter Services webpage.
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Forecast for Friday, January 16th, 2026
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts additional winter weather for toronto on Friday,January 16th,2026,but with significantly lower snowfall totals than experienced on Thursday. Approximately 2 cm of snow is expected in the afternoon, followed by an additional 2 to 4 cm overnight. The high for Friday is forecast to be -2°C, but the wind chill will make it feel closer to -13°C.