How to handle tonight’s freezing rain

Freezing rain is expected to fall across the Greater Toronto Area on Wednesday night, potentially creating icy and slippery conditions.

Wednesday’s high temperature was forecast to be –1 C, though it will feel closer to –8 in the evening.

Here’s what you can expect, and how to deal with the worst of this situation.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — The changeover begins

The earlier you can begin your evening commute home, the better.

In this two hour window, flurries will begin, and start to change over to ice pellets.

“Untreated surfaces may become icy and slippery,” Environment Canada said in a freezing rain warning for Toronto.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Hello, freezing rain

Around 7 p.m. Wednesday, ice pellets will begin to change to freezing rain, which is expected to make the evening commute much more difficult by this point in the night.

Surfaces, including highways, roads, walkways, parking lots and sidewalks, could become ice and slippery.

Motorists are urged to take it slow.

9 p.m. to midnight — Bye bye freezing rain

As temperatures rise above the freezing mark around 11 p.m., the freezing rain is expected to end, at which point rain is expected to set in for those living between Toronto’s lakeshore area and south of Highway 407.

After midnight, the rain is expected to turn to light and scattered showers.

For those living north of the highway, the freezing rain will last until around midnight. After 12 a.m. Thursday, northern areas can expect a mix of drizzle and freezing rain.

5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday — Morning drizzle

The temperature is expected to rise to 3 C in Toronto by Thursday morning.

There will be a light mix of snow and drizzle for morning commuters.

7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday — Welcome back, flurries

Say goodbye to the drizzle and rain by 7 a.m. Thursday, as scattered flurries make their way back to the GTA.