Durham Region residents are dealing with a wetter Sunday as showers move through the area and another round of overnight highway construction is scheduled across several major routes.
The Durham weather Aug. 30 forecast calls for cloudy and unsettled conditions across much of the region, with temperatures reaching approximately 23 C in Oshawa, Whitby and surrounding southern Durham communities.
Environment Canada reported light rain at Oshawa Executive Airport early Sunday morning, marking a significant change from the warmer and drier conditions experienced Saturday.
Showers expected across Durham Sunday
Environment Canada is forecasting a few showers through Sunday, with southwest winds increasing to around 20 km/h.
The daytime high is expected to reach 23 C with a humidex near 28.
The UV index is forecast at 3, or moderate.
Showers are expected to end during the evening, followed by cloudy skies and a 40 per cent chance of additional showers overnight.
Temperatures should remain relatively mild, falling to around 19 C.
Conditions are similar across Oshawa, Whitby, Courtice and much of southern Durham Region.
Residents in northern parts of Durham may experience slightly different temperatures and rainfall timing, so local forecasts should be checked before outdoor activities.
Monday brings more rain and thunderstorm risk
The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into Monday, Aug. 31.
Environment Canada is forecasting more showers with a risk of a thunderstorm developing during the afternoon.
Monday’s temperature is expected to reach approximately 24 C with a humidex near 29.
A 40 per cent chance of showers remains Monday night.
Conditions remain somewhat unsettled into the first part of September, with additional shower chances appearing in the extended forecast.
Highway 401 roadwork continues Sunday night
Weather will not be the only issue facing Durham drivers.
Several provincial highways have scheduled construction and lane restrictions Sunday night, including Highway 401.
In Oshawa, two alternating eastbound lanes between Ritson Road and Harmony Road are scheduled to be affected beginning Sunday night as construction continues into early September.
Westbound Highway 401 between Harmony Road and Ritson Road also has nighttime construction involving alternating lanes.
Additional Highway 401 work remains scheduled through Pickering, Ajax and Oshawa, including sections around Brock Road, Salem Road, Harwood Avenue, Stevenson Road, Simcoe Street and Ritson Road.
Drivers should expect reduced capacity and possible delays during overnight construction periods.
North Durham highways also affected by roadwork
Roadwork is also continuing on several provincial routes through northern Durham.
Nighttime restrictions have been scheduled along Highway 7 and Highway 7/12 between Whitby and Brock Township.
Highway 12 and Highway 48 are also affected by recurring construction activity through northern Durham.
In Scugog, westbound Highway 7A between Queen Street and Highway 7/12 is scheduled for nighttime lane restrictions beginning Sunday and continuing into early September.
Highway 35/115 in Clarington also has nighttime construction in both directions between Highway 401 and the Highway 35/115 corridor.
Not every highway is completely closed
Drivers should note that provincial construction listings frequently use the word closure to describe individual lane restrictions.
Most of the scheduled work does not mean an entire highway is unavailable.
Traffic may continue through the construction zone using remaining lanes while one or more lanes are temporarily closed.
Construction timing can also change because of weather, contractor schedules or other operational requirements.
Check conditions before travelling Sunday
With showers affecting the region and multiple construction zones scheduled overnight, motorists should allow additional travel time Sunday and early Monday.
Drivers should follow temporary construction signs and reduced speed limits while travelling through work areas.
Anyone planning an evening or overnight trip should also check current Ontario 511 conditions before leaving.
The Durham weather Aug. 30 outlook remains unsettled, with showers Sunday followed by another wet day and possible thunderstorms Monday as the final weekend of August comes to an end.
