What!? A snow storm plus thunder & lightning. I've never seen the likes, what is going on!? pic.twitter.com/b80Df51nEp

— Natasha Taylor (@natntaylor) March 4, 2023

Got 2 videos of #thundersnow in Downtown Toronto, seemingly both hitting the CN Tower 🌩🌨#ONStorm pic.twitter.com/0zf6USzI7F

— SCJ Weather (@SCJWeather) March 4, 2023

No surprise here that Canada’s largest lightning rod was struck by lightning. Move along. The really cool part of all this is the thundersnow. The world chirps us because no one loves the weather more than a Canadian, but we currently have thundersnow and it’s amazing.

What is thundersnow you ask? Thundersnow is a rare meteorological phenomenon that occurs during winter storms when thunder and lightning are produced while it is snowing. It is caused by a rapidly intensifying low-pressure system that brings cold air from the upper atmosphere, meeting with warm and moist air near the ground. As the warm air rises and cools, it can form snowflakes, while the rapidly rising air creates unstable atmospheric conditions that can lead to lightning and thunder. Thunder snow can be a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring event, with the booming thunder and bright flashes of lightning adding an extra dimension to the already impressive display of winter weather. However, it can also be dangerous, as lightning strikes can pose a risk to people and property, particularly if caught outdoors during a thunderstorm.

Boom a meteorological phenomenon. Plus the northern lights showed up a couple of days ago, I know it sucks to be in the snow sometimes but it’s pretty awesome if you nerd out a bit.

Here’s the thunder and lightning in Toronto right now during a snow storm! #ONstorm pic.twitter.com/0XjT989ECI

— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) March 4, 2023