Snow is in the forecast this weekend across the Greater Toronto Area

It’s time to dig out the toques and scarves, as residents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) could be dashing through snow this weekend, according to Environment Canada forecasts. 

The national weather agency is predicting a wet weekend with freezing evening temperatures and potential snowfall. 

It marks the first wave of winter weather for much of southern Ontario, said Trudy Kidd, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

But snow isn't guaranteed, Kidd said, noting snow could change to rain if temperatures increase even slightly over what's forecast for the next few days.

“Do expect a wet one either way," she said. "Whether it's rain or snow, it’s going to be messy, so do expect that."

Kidd said areas closer to Lake Ontario may see around two centimetes of snow, while places further north, such as Aurora and Newmarket, could get as much as 10 to 15 centimetres. 

“People in higher terrain will probably see more [snow], and farther from the lake you'll see more snow,” she said. 

The national weather agency currently forecasts a 30 per cent chance of rain or snow on Saturday evening with a low of -1 C in Toronto. 

On Sunday, there’s a forecast of rain or snow in Toronto with a low of -5 C at night, while Monday has a 30 per cent chance of flurries or showers and a low of -4 C, according to Environment Canada’s website. 

Kidd says the average temperature this time of year is around 9 C during the day and above freezing overnight, but the week ahead will be a lot lower than that. 

“The week ahead I'm seeing temperatures below 9 C every day and our overnight lows are below freezing. So we're certainly staying on the cold side at least for the foreseeable future,” said Kidd. 

Residents in the GTA are advised to keep an eye out for any special weather alerts, as forecasts change, Kidd said. 

She says people should check weather forecast and road conditions before travelling out of your local area.

“If you're driving around and doing longer distances, where you leave from and where you're going might have different weather,” she said.