'Swirling pool' of Arctic air bringing deep freeze, 'significant' snow to Toronto area: Environment Canada

The Greater Toronto Area could feel as cold as -32 C this weekend with "the coldest air of the season" set to arrive, Environment Canada says.

The national weather agency Friday issued a yellow warning about the bitter cold, warning the dangerously low temperatures put everyone at risk.

Daytime highs are expected to remain in the minus double digits from Saturday to Monday and a “potential for significant snow on Sunday.”

“The coldest air of the season along with very cold wind chills is expected this weekend,” it said.

Trudy Kidd, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, says that the polar vortex is the culprit behind the freezing temperatures. 

“It’s a swirling pool of cold air that’s typically parked over the Arctic. And at times, it weakens.” explained Kidd. When it weakens, cold air can “leak” down to regions like the GTA, she said.  

An official weather warning has not been issued at this time. 

Here's what you can expect:

• Friday: A chance of flurries with a high of -10 C and a low of -22 C.
• Saturday: Sunny with a high of -15 C and a low of -18 C.
• Sunday: Snow with a high of -9 C and a low of -12 C. 

With the wind chill factored in, Friday could feel more like -22, Saturday like -32 and Sunday like -28, said Colette Kennedy, CBC Toronto's meteorologist.

"On Sunday, measurable snow and cold air, a dynamic duo," she said on Wednesday. "Whether we like it or not, that's what's coming."

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The freezing temperatures will be the “big story” of the weekend, said Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson to CBC Radio’s Metro Morning on Wednesday. 

"[We're] looking at a morning wake-up temperature Saturday morning of -20 C," he said.

Coulson warned residents to dress warmly and be prepared for the cold snap in the days ahead.

Regions get ready for the cold

York Region issued a cold weather alert for people experiencing homelessness from Thursday to Sunday. It said on social media that anyone requiring emergency housing should call its intake phone number.

Meanwhile, five warming centres and two surge sites are open in the City of Toronto for anyone looking for a resting place or hot meal, according to the city’s website. 

Centres will be open 24 hours a day and welcome walk-ins, unless stated otherwise by staff or online, it says.