Springlike warmth sweeps southern Ontario ahead of rain, possible thunderstorms

Julie Atchison has the latest forecast for the London area.

A beautiful springlike Monday is unfolding across southern Ontario, with temperatures climbing into the upper teens this afternoon. Windsor is already at 20 C, while London is expected to reach 19.

“We are starting to see some higher cloud move in,” said CTV News meteorologist Julie Atchison.

“There’s a cold front off to the north that will slowly slump toward southern Ontario heading into tomorrow, with a wave riding along that front.”

A special weather statement is in effect across the southern Prairies, stretching across northern Ontario into southern Quebec and just clipping the Ottawa-Cornwall area.

“That special weather statement is indicating some heavy snowfall, with freezing rain south of that, while rain and the potential for thunderstorms could bring 10 to 15 millimetres of rainfall moving in tonight through the overnight,” said Atchison. “As we push past about 8 p.m., there’s also a possibility of thunderstorms developing and continuing into tomorrow morning.”

There is also the chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day Tuesday, with overcast conditions, followed by another round of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night.

“If you look to the north, you can see the snow on the northern flank of this system, along with the freezing rain,” she said. “Here, we will stay on the mild side, with rounds of scattered showers and thunderstorms as we move through the week.”

Here’s a look at the rest of the forecast

Monday: Cloudy. Wind southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40. High 19.

Monday Night: Mainly cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers early this evening. Showers beginning this evening. Risk of a thunderstorm late this evening and overnight. Local amount 10 to 15 mm. Wind southwest 40 km/h gusting to 60. Low 9.

Tuesday: Showers ending in the morning then cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers late in the morning and early afternoon. Showers beginning in the afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon. Local amount 10 to 15 mm.

Wednesday: Cloudy. High 8.

Thursday: Showers. High plus 5.

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

Saturday: Cloudy. High 12.