Polar vortex plunges GTA into deep freeze

A polar vortex will plunge the GTA into a deep freeze until Wednesday, Environment Canada says.

"Be prepared for very cold conditions. Temperatures may be colder than those that have been seen the last several years," the federal weather agency said on its website.

Monday's high was forecast to be -10 C, but feeling more like -23 C with the windchill.

Tuesday could prove to be the coldest day of the winter, with a high of -12 C and windchill values approaching -26. 

Temperatures will rise somewhat on Wednesday, according to Environment Canada, before returning to more seasonal ranges by Thursday.

"Remember frostbite can develop in minutes on exposed skin. Keep dry to stay warmer," the weather agency said.

The City of Toronto has opened seven warming centres and dispatched additional homelessness outreach workers to encourage people to come in from the cold.

The warming centres are located at:

• Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil St. (east of Spadina Avenue, south of College Street).
• Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E. (east of Broadview Avenue, north of Queen Street).
• 136 Spadina Rd. (south of Dupont Street).
• 81 Elizabeth St. (west of Bay Street, south of Dundas Street W.).
• 12 Holmes Ave. (off of Yonge Street, south of Finch Avenue E.).
• 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd. (east of Markham Road, south of Ellesmere Road).
• Metro Hall, 55 John St. (north of Wellington Street W.).

Snow squall warnings issued for parts of southern Ontario

Snow squalls are expected for parts of Southern Ontario Monday, with some regions expected to get as much as 100 centimetres of snow. 

Environment Canada has issued alerts and watches for several areas surrounding the GTA on Monday.

North of Toronto, snow squalls are expected to begin Monday afternoon in Barrie and Collingwood. Snow could accumulate up to 20 centimetres into Monday night. The weather agency is warning of reduced visibility and blowing snow in the area.

Environment Canada has also issued snow squall warnings for multiple communities off the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Up to 100 centimetres of snow could accumulate in the Muskoka area, with more snow expected in communities closer to the Georgian Bay. Up to 60 centimetres could accumulate in communities along the Bruce Peninsula and Lake Huron.

The weather agency says during snow squalls, weather conditions can vary greatly within the span of a few kilometres. Winds can cause poor visibility from blowing snow. Environment Canada is encouraging people in areas under alert to postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve.