A wild temperature swing is about to bless Toronto with an unseasonably warm start to the weekend, before a winter storm plunges the province back into a deep freeze.
According to The Weather Network, a surge of mild air has settled over the region temporarily, sending temperatures climbing well above seasonal norms. By Friday, parts of Southern Ontario could hit the double digits, reaching as high as 12 degrees Celsius – a staggering 14-degree jump from the past few weeks.
However, this “January thaw” will be accompanied by widespread rain and gusty winds, bringing a messy transition on Saturday that could impact travel plans across the GTA.
In Southern Ontario, the forecast is calling for anywhere between 5 – 15 mm of rainfall on Friday, which, combined with rapid snowmelt, could lead to localized flooding and blocked storm drains. By Saturday night, the mild air will vanish as quickly as it arrived. Blustery winds and a sharp drop in temperature will bring flurries and a risk of freezing rain to parts of the province.
The sudden temperature swing poses a risk to anyone heading out to local parks or waterfronts, with the network noting that the rapid thaw and rainfall are expected to significantly weaken ice cover on ponds and lakes, making them unsafe for skating or walking.
Toronto can expect more consistent wintry conditions by the end of the month, so enjoy the brief stretch of warmth tomorrow while it lasts! Just don’t forget your umbrella.