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Ontario could be in for a winter marked by frequent snow, lake-effect squalls and icy conditions, according to the Farmers’ Almanac’s outlook for the 2026-27 season.
The publication released its Canadian winter forecast last month, describing Ontario’s expected conditions in three words: “Frequent Snow. Lake-Effect. Icy.”
The Almanac predicts the province could be affected by several weather patterns throughout the season, placing Ontario near one of the country’s more active winter-weather regions.
Cold air moving across the comparatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes could trigger lake-effect snow, while larger weather systems approaching from the southwest may bring widespread snow and a mix of other forms of precipitation.
Areas east and southeast of the Great Lakes, including Ontario’s traditional snowbelt communities, could be particularly susceptible to localized heavy snowfall when cold air produces concentrated bands of snow downwind from the lakes.
The forecast does not call for a consistently cold winter. Instead, changing temperatures and varying forms of precipitation are expected to be among the defining features of the season.
January could bring some of the sharpest weather changes, with periods of Arctic cold across central Canada accompanied by lake-effect snowfall in areas surrounding the Great Lakes.
February is also expected to remain unsettled, as cold air interacts with moisture-laden storm systems and creates the potential for significant snowfall across parts of Ontario and eastern Canada.
Snowfall totals are expected to differ considerably from one region to another, but the Almanac says frequent snow and lake-effect events could continue through the heart of winter.
Icy weather may present another challenge, particularly in southern Ontario, where temperatures near the freezing point could increase the risk of freezing rain during some storms.
The Farmers’ Almanac has characterized Canada’s upcoming winter as “Snow, Sleet, and Surprises!”
(Richard Evans)
