Barrie to see high of 17 C Thursday before snow and freezing rain return

The Spirit Catcher in Barrie. (Luke Simard/ CTV News)

Barrie residents will get a brief taste of mild spring weather Thursday before a sharp shift brings snow and the risk of freezing rain.

Environment Canada says Thursday’s high is expected to reach 17 C under cloudy skies, with a few showers developing near noon. There is also a 30 per cent chance of showers later in the day.

Conditions could change quickly by night. Skies will become partly cloudy in the evening with a 30 per cent chance of showers, followed by periods of snow or rain.

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The national weather agency says there is also a risk of freezing rain overnight as temperatures plunge to around 0 C.

Friday brings unsettling weather, with periods of snow or rain ending in the early afternoon. Freezing rain remains a risk in the morning, with local snowfall amounts around two centimetres.

The high will sit at 6 C. Friday night will be chilly with cloudy periods and a low of -2 C.

The weekend could improve slightly.

Saturday looks sunny with a high of 8 C. Clouds return Sunday with a 60 per cent chance of rain showers or flurries and a high of 9 C.