Unsettled weather continues across Ontario as winter nears its end

A volatile stretch of weather is continuing across the region with noticeable temperature swings

A volatile stretch of weather is continuing across southern, central and southwestern Ontario, with noticeable temperature swings and another round of gusty winds expected over the next day or two.

Daytime highs are fluctuating between about 6 C and 12 C across the region over the next 24 to 48 hours, before cooler air moves back in and brings the chance of flurries later this week.

Today marks the final full day of the winter season, though forecasters say brighter days are ahead, with warmer temperatures expected to settle in by the first week of April.

Today’s high is forecast to reach around 6 C, closer to 4 or 5 C within city limits. Winds have already been gusty at times and are expected to increase again late tonight into early tomorrow, with the potential for brief gusts exceeding 65 to 70 km/h. Recent strong winds have already caused localized damage, including downed branches, power lines and displaced roof shingles.

Rain will be the main concern for extreme southern and southwestern Ontario, while areas farther north and east, including parts of Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe and toward Kingston, could see significant snowfall, with some regions possibly reaching double‑digit centimetre totals.

Locally, light rain showers are possible over the next couple of days, with the heaviest rainfall expected well north in areas such as Barrie, Collingwood, the GTA and points east.

— with files from CTV News meteorologist Gary Archibald

Here’s a look at the rest of the forecast

Thursday: Cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 6. UV index 3 or moderate.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy. 30 percent chance of showers early this evening. Low zero.

Friday: Cloudy. 60 per cent chance of showers in the morning and early in the afternoon. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 late in the morning. High 11

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 8.

Sunday: Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High 12.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. High plus 1.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. High plus 5.