All eyes are on soaring temperatures in southern Ontario this week, with a blast of the mildest air weather yet this year.
A strong southerly current ahead of an incoming Colorado low will cause the big temperature rise in the south.
By Wednesday, some locations could see double-digit daily highs approaching the mid-teens. While we’re unlikely to break monthly high temperature records with this, daily high temperature records are possible for some, including Toronto.
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Double digit snowfall in the north
February’s rare warmth won’t cover the entire province, however, as there’s quite a seasonal gap between double-digit temperatures and double-digit snowfall totals.
The Colorado low is heading north and will spread a plume of 5-15+ inches of snow across parts of northern Ontario by Wednesday.
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While residents of southern Ontario are basking in spring-like conditions, northern Ontario will struggle not only with heavy snowfall but also with temperatures hovering around -20 degrees.
Pleasant spring weather will be short-lived
A secondary low later in the week will move into the region, however, making for more typical winter weather in the southern areas.
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“While this Texas low will be associated with some milder air, the trail of the low could bring a messy mix of rain, ice and snow late Thursday night and into central and southern Ontario through Friday,” says Kelly Sonnenburg, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
The final trace of this system will affect precipitation types and amounts.
Behind that system, too, temperatures temporarily plummet to below-freezing levels, making for a chilly start to the extended family day weekend.
Is there much left of winter?
Despite this week’s extreme heat, it would be naïve to think that’s enough for the snow and cold in southern Ontario. Based on the monthly high temperature records for February, it is very common to see brief hints of spring-like weather in February, with winter weather typically lasting well into March and sometimes even April.
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The pattern for the remainder of February highlights an active storm trail across the Great Lakes, meaning temperature swings will continue and messy winter weather is also a guarantee.
Be sure to check back often for the latest updates on the Ontario weather.
