Toronto Pearson sets all-time daily snowfall record as January 2026 becomes snowiest month since records began, Canada
A powerful winter storm delivered record-breaking snowfall across Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on January 25, 2026, with 46 cm (18.1 inches) measured at Toronto Pearson International Airport as of 05:00 LT on January 26. This marks the highest single-day snowfall recorded since observations at the airport began in 1937. The event established new daily and monthly records for the site and caused widespread disruption across the Greater Toronto Area.
Snow removal at Toronto Pearson airport on January 25, 2026. Credit: Toronto Pearson
A strong low-pressure system passed south of the Great Lakes on Sunday, January 25, producing a large snowstorm across much of southern Ontario. The system brought prolonged heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-zero visibility in blowing snow, resulting in widespread travel disruption.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) reported that the storm “created significant impacts on transportation with frequently dangerous winter driving conditions,” and led to the closure of many schools across the Greater Toronto Area and Waterloo Region.
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, 46 cm (18.1 inches) of snow fell during the 24-hour period on Sunday, the highest single-day snowfall ever recorded at the site since observations began in 1937.
This brought the January 2026 monthly total to 88.2 cm (34.7 inches), making it both the snowiest January and the snowiest calendar month on record for Pearson.
Severe weather continues to impact flight operations with 41cm of snow accumulation at Toronto Pearson as of 7 p.m.
— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) January 26, 2026
Air traffic management initiatives remain in effect to ensure the safe movement of aircraft. Crews continue snow clearing operations on runways, taxiways, and… pic.twitter.com/aps2XuL6Iu
Toronto City Centre (Billy Bishop) measured 56 cm (22 inches), while other official sites reported 42 cm (16.5 inches) in Trenton, 34 cm (13.4 inches) in Belleville, and 32 cm (12.6 inches) at the Ontario Storm Prediction Centre in Downsview.
Unofficial volunteers reported 40–60 cm (15.7–23.6 inches) across Toronto, 30–46 cm (11.8–18.1 inches) in Mississauga–Milton, 30 cm (11.8 inches) in Waterdown, and 15–30 cm (5.9–11.8 inches) in Burlington. All official totals were recorded as of 05:00 local time on January 26.
According to Cirium flight data, about 41 percent of scheduled flights at Toronto Pearson were cancelled on January 25, while hundreds more were delayed as crews worked to clear runways and de-ice aircraft. Major highways, including segments of Highway 401 and the Don Valley Parkway, experienced closures and stranded vehicles.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) reported major delays and partial subway suspensions on January 26. Both the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) cancelled classes for the day.
The City of Toronto activated its Major Snow Event Response Plan, declaring a Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event to expedite cleanup. Crews deployed large-scale removal equipment across arterial and residential areas, advising residents to avoid non-essential travel while operations continued.
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