‘The last cold night for a long time’: Warmer temperatures, sunshine expected for Family Day weekend

Milder temperatures and sunshine are in store for the Family Day weekend. CTV's Julie Atchison breaks down the forecast.

If you’re weary of what feels like the longest winter in memory, then you’ll be happy to know there’s finally a reprieve in the forecast this weekend.

According to CTV News London Meteorologist Julie Atchison, London and areas downwind of Lake Huron are seeing lake effect flurries Thursday, with temperatures on the chillier side, “but close to where we should be for this time of year.”

Thursday’s daytime high will reach –3 C but will feel like – 11 with the wind chill.

Atchison says flurries will begin to taper off Thursday evening as high pressure takes hold of the region. In addition, the cloud cover being generated off Lake Huron will also begin to subside as the area of high pressure builds and shuts down stronger wind gusts, leading to light winds overnight.

The overnight low will drop to – 15C, feeling like –18 with the wind chill.

Following weeks of an extended deep freeze throughout the region, Atchison has some good news for winter weary residents.

“Tonight will be the last cold night for a long time,” she said. “In terms of our extended forecast, temperatures are coming up for the weekend.”

Friday will boast clearing skies and sunshine, with sunny skies and “beautiful” conditions expected through the weekend leading into Family Day Monday.

Friday morning will be chilly however with the wind chill making things feel like –19, but the daytime high will reach –1 C, feeling like –8 with the wind chill.

Chances are you will love the Valentines Day Saturday forecast, as things continue to warm up throughout the weekend with highs of between 3 C and 5 C and a mix of sun and cloud.

Atchison says daytime temperatures will stay well above freezing, with the possibility of rainfall expected in the middle of next week.

Here’s London’s long-range forecast

Thursday: Mainly cloudy with 30 percent chance of flurries. Wind northwest 20 km/h becoming light late this afternoon. High minus 3. Wind chill minus 11 this afternoon. UV index 2 or low.

Thursday night: Cloudy. Wind up to 15 km/h. Low minus 15. Wind chill minus 11 this evening and minus 18 overnight.

Friday: Clearing in the morning. Wind becoming southwest 30 km/h in the morning. High minus 1. Wind chill minus 19 in the morning and minus 8 in the afternoon.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. High plus 3.

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

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

Tuesday: Cloudy. High 6.

Wednesday: Periods of rain. High plus 5.