Residents across southern Ontario, including communities in Durham Region, should prepare for a mix of showers and possible thunderstorms on Saturday, March 7, according to the latest forecast from Environment Canada.
Weather officials say the day will begin with cloudy conditions across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and surrounding regions, with a 30 percent chance of showers during the morning hours.
Cities including Oshawa, Pickering, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls could see scattered rainfall early in the day as the weather system moves across southern Ontario.
The forecast suggests conditions may worsen as the day progresses.
Environment Canada is predicting additional showers around midday, followed by a risk of thunderstorms during the afternoon, particularly across the Greater Toronto Area.
Rainfall totals could reach up to 15 millimetres in some areas, which may lead to wet roads and reduced visibility for drivers travelling across highways and local roads.
Weather officials say temperatures will also rise significantly compared to recent days.
The daytime high is expected to reach approximately 15°C, bringing warmer conditions across the region. However, the weather system will also bring strong wind gusts of up to 50 kilometres per hour, which may accompany heavier showers and thunderstorms.
The combination of rain, wind, and possible thunderstorms could create challenging conditions for outdoor activities and travel during the afternoon hours.
Residents in Durham Region communities such as Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, and Pickering may experience similar weather patterns as the storm system passes through the area.
Meteorologists say conditions may begin to improve later in the evening, although showers could still occur.
The forecast indicates a 40 percent chance of additional showers during the evening hours, along with continued wind gusts reaching up to 50 km/h in parts of the GTA.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly overnight as cooler air moves into the region.
The overnight low will fall to around 1°C, bringing colder conditions after the warmer daytime temperatures.
Despite the unsettled weather on Saturday, conditions are expected to improve heading into Sunday.
Environment Canada predicts sunny but windy weather on Sunday, with daytime temperatures reaching about 9°C and overnight lows dropping to approximately 2°C.
While Saturday’s warm temperatures may feel like an early sign of spring, officials note that the typical seasonal averages for early March are much lower.
The normal high temperature for this time of year is around 2°C, while overnight temperatures normally fall to approximately -6°C.
Weather experts say fluctuating temperatures and storm systems are common during the late winter and early spring transition period.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates and exercise caution when travelling during periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms.
