Mississauga is finally getting a break from the bitter cold. Milder air arrived on Tuesday after a weekend when Environment Canada cold warnings put wind chills as low as -35 across the city and much of southern Ontario.
The cold snap has lasted more than three weeks. In Toronto, Tuesday's forecast high of 0 C was the first time in 23 days the daytime high was expected to reach the freezing mark.
How the week unfolded
The latest blast began Friday with blowing snow and strong winds. Environment Canada called for 2 to 4 centimetres of snow in Mississauga, gusts up to 60 km/h in the afternoon and a high of -4 C that felt closer to -15. Friday night's low of about -18 C felt like -31.
By Saturday, cold warnings stretched from Windsor to Pembroke, warning of wind chills as low as -35. The warnings covered Mississauga and Brampton on Sunday morning, with wind chills of -30 to -35, and wind chills near -30 returned Sunday night into Monday morning. Monday's warning cautioned that frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin.
Tuesday brought up to four centimetres of snow with the milder air, making for a slow morning commute across the GTA.
What's ahead
Highs are expected to stay near the freezing mark through the rest of the week, with Peel Region forecast to reach about -2 C on Thursday and the GTA between -1 C and 0 C on Friday. No significant snow is expected this week.
Watch for frozen pipes and melting snow
The city is reminding homeowners that deep cold followed by thaws can cause damage. Its advice includes:
Keep the thermostat up, even when away, and insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces and basements
If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve right away and call a licensed plumber
Shovel snow three to five feet away from exterior walls, windows and basement entrances
Keep vents, chimneys and exhaust pipes clear of snow and ice so air flows properly and carbon monoxide doesn't build up
Clear leaves, snow, ice and other debris from storm drains on your street when it is safe to do so
