GTA under weather advisory, Torontonians in for snow on New Year’s Eve

After a snowy start to New Year’s Eve, Torontonians will only have to fair with isolated flurries for the festivities Tuesday night.

Environment Canada issued a snow squall watch for the GTA and a travel advisory for the city as isolated flurries and strong winds are in the forecast for the last day of 2019.

“The combination of heavy snow and strong winds will result in reduced visibility,” the national weather agency said. “Strong wind gusts up to 70 km/h are also anticipated.”

Global News Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell said however that roads will be clear later in the day, with the exception of areas around Georgian Bay where snow squalls will continue for most of the night.

Toronto was under a snow squall watch until just after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, but the city is still expected to receive between two and four centimetres of snow by end of day.

The temperature throughout the GTA will dip below freezing and be around -2 at midnight in Nathan Philips Square where thousands are expected to ring in the new year.

Farnell said the temperature is actually mild for the time of year but winds will be the big factor with gusts over 40 km/h. it will feel closer to -7.

The first day of 2020 looks pleasant with a high near zero. Another warm up begins on Jan. 2 where high temperatures will once again soar well above freezing under partly cloudy skies.