Thought winter was over? Not so fast, says Environment Canada

Barrie waterfront.(CTV News/KC Colby)

After a harsh winter marked by a damaging heavy snowfall and a destructive ice storm, residents in the Barrie area will have to wait a little longer for sustained spring weather, with rain, wet snow and flurries in the forecast this week.

According to Environment Canada, the region can expect unsettled conditions over the next several days, including a return to sub-zero overnight temperatures mid-week.

The week begins with a brief lull in precipitation as a few morning showers taper off Monday morning in areas across the region, leaving behind cloudy skies. However, more rain is on the way later in the afternoon. Winds will pick up out of the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h by midday. Monday’s daytime high is forecast at 14C.

Showers are expected to end Monday evening but cloud cover will persist overnight, with a 40 per cent chance of additional showers. Winds will shift south to west at 20 km/h near midnight, and temperatures will dip to a low of 4C.

A colder air mass moves into the region Tuesday. Rain showers are forecast to transition to periods of wet snow by midday as temperatures hover near the freezing mark. Winds from the northwest will strengthen to 30 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h, making for blustery conditions. The high will be just 4C, and flurries will likely continue into the night, when temperatures fall to –1C.

Wednesday remains cold and windy with a 30 per cent chance of flurries during the day and a high of only 3C. Skies are expected to clear overnight, with a low of –3C.

By later in the week, more seasonal weather is forecast to return. On Thursday, Environment Canada says to expect sunny skies and a daytime high climbing to 9C. But the reprieve will be short-lived—rain is expected again on Friday, with a high of 10C and showers continuing into the night.

At this point for the weekend, Saturday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a high of 7C, before overnight temperatures drop to –1C. Sunday is expected to be clear and sunny, with temperatures climbing to a more comfortable 10 C—closer to seasonal norms for this time of year.

Historically, mid-April in the Barrie area sees average highs in the double-digits, around 11C, and lows around the freezing mark. While the region is trending toward those averages later in the week, lingering cold fronts and unsettled weather may delay full spring conditions.

City crews continue to monitor catch basins and drainage routes as fluctuating temperatures and intermittent precipitation raise concerns about localized flooding and freeze-thaw cycles. Residents are encouraged to keep storm drains clear and check for icy patches on sidewalks and driveways.

While spring is technically here, winter is not entirely behind us just yet.