GTHA Braces for Hazardous Sunday as Snow, Freezing Rain, and Strong Winds Loom
Residents across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) are preparing for challenging travel conditions on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as a special weather statement from Environment Canada warns of snow, freezing rain, and powerful winds. The hazardous weather is expected to begin Sunday morning and continue into the afternoon, with potential impacts extending into Monday for some areas.
Weather Breakdown
Environment Canada forecasts snowfall amounts of 2 to 6 cm, alongside the risk of freezing rain. Easterly winds are expected to gust up to 70 km/h, creating reduced visibility due to blowing snow. A band of snow is anticipated to move across the affected regions Sunday morning, continuing through midday. Brief periods of freezing rain are also possible with the snow.
Affected Areas
The special weather statement covers a wide swath of the GTHA, including:
- Burlington – Oakville
- Caledon
- City of Hamilton
- City of Toronto
- Halton Hills – Milton
- Mississauga – Brampton
- Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region
- Pickering – Oshawa – Southern Durham Region
- Uxbridge – Beaverton – Northern Durham Region
- Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham
Potential Impacts
Reduced visibility and icy conditions are expected to make travel difficult throughout the day. Snow accumulations will vary, but most areas are likely to receive at least 2 centimetres, with locally higher amounts possible. Strong winds may also lead to localized power outages. The gusty winds may continue Sunday night and into Monday for some areas.
Current Conditions (as of 4:00 AM EDT, Sunday, March 15, 2026)
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, current conditions are cloudy with a temperature of -2.5°C. The pressure is falling at 102.7 kPa, with a dew point of -6.6°C and humidity at 73%. The wind is from the East-Northeast at 14 km/h, resulting in a wind chill of -7°C. Visibility is 24 km. Environment Canada provides detailed, up-to-date information.
Safety Recommendations
Environment Canada advises residents to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts issued by the agency. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
Additional Information
A rare winter air quality warning is also in effect for Hamilton, Burlington, and much of the GTHA due to stagnant conditions increasing pollution. CBC News has more details on the air quality situation.