Enjoy the January thaw — but watch for flooding and unsafe ice
A warm front will push many Ontario cities into double digits on Friday. It’s a welcome break, but rain and snowmelt bring flooding and ice hazards before winter returns.
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By Torontoer Staff
If you’ve been dreaming of a break from the usual January grey, you might get your wish this week — at least for a day. A surge of mild, southerly air is pushing into southern Ontario, and many communities, including Toronto, are forecast to reach double-digit temperatures on Friday.
That feels glorious after weeks of sub-zero days, but this isn’t a full-on spring preview. The quick warm-up comes with rain and thawing snow, which can create slippery, soggy — and sometimes hazardous — conditions before colder, snowier weather snaps back in over the weekend.
What to expect this Friday
The Weather Network is forecasting several southern Ontario centres to hit 10 C or more on Friday. Here’s a handy snapshot so you can plan whether to swap your heavy parka for a lighter coat when you head out:
- Toronto — around 10 C (roughly 12 degrees warmer than the season’s normal)
- Brampton — 13 C
- Markham — 11 C
- Pickering — 11 C
- Burlington — 12 C
- Brantford — 13 C
- London — 10 C
- Niagara Falls — 10 C
- Windsor — 12 C
Along with the mild temperatures, southern Ontario could see 10 to 20 millimetres of rain through the day. That combination — warm air, rain and melting snow — is why you’ll want to plan with a bit more caution than you might for a typical mild day.
Why this thaw can be hazardous
There is a “heightened flood potential” because of the warm temperatures and rainfall.
The Weather Network
Rain on top of accumulated snow means a quick melt that can overwhelm blocked storm drains and low-lying streets. Where meltwater can’t flow away, you’ll see pooling and, in some cases, localized flooding. Rivers can react quickly too — ice jams can form and push water onto banks.
Ponds and smaller lakes are another concern. The Weather Network warns of “unsafe ice conditions,” which means the ice that stayed around through the cold might be unstable after a warm, wet spell. If you walk your dog near High Park’s pond or take a winter stroll along some of our ravines, keep well back from the edges.
Where to be extra careful around the GTA
In Toronto, low-lying stretches and river corridors are the main spots to watch. Think of places you know: the Don and Humber valleys, the lakeshore and areas near the waterfront from Harbourfront to the Beaches. Older neighbourhoods with narrow streets and lots of parked cars can see storm drains clogged with leftover snowbanks, which makes standing water more likely.
Tips to enjoy the thaw — safely
- Give ice a wide berth: don’t walk, skate or let pets go on ponds or frozen water after a warm spell.
- Watch for standing water: avoid driving through or walking across deep puddles — they can be deeper than they look and hide potholes.
- Clear drains if it’s safe: if you can shovel snow away from a blocked storm grate without standing in traffic, it helps neighbourhood drainage.
- Be ready for refreeze: temperatures will drop again after the weekend, so expect slushy surfaces to turn to black ice overnight — bring traction-friendly footwear.
- Check local alerts: follow The Weather Network, Environment Canada and City of Toronto updates for flood and road advisories.
- Mind the trails: local parks like High Park and the Don Valley will be muddy and slippery — wear waterproof boots if you’re walking dogs or hitting a trail.
- Secure outdoor items: hoses, chairs and light furniture can shift or get waterlogged and freeze in place later—bring them in if you can.
The thaw won't last long, and cold and snowy weather is forecast to return to Ontario after this weekend.
The Weather Network
So yes, enjoy the warmer air — maybe take advantage of a sunny lunch break on a park bench in the Annex or a brisk walk along the waterfront — but treat it like a brief detour from winter rather than a change of season.
WeatherTorontoJanuary thawFloodingWinter safety
