‘Light dusting’ of snow, rain possible Saturday as temperatures set to drop

From rain, snow, gusty winds and sunshine, this weekend will be a mixed bag for weather.

Friday was a much-needed glimpse of spring, but temperatures will again drop below freezing on Saturday with periods of rain and snow possible.

“We are in the midst of a bit of a break, a welcomed one with sunshine across parts of southern Ontario and temperatures have rebounded in a big way,” said CTV News Windsor Meteorologist Gary Archibald.

Archibald says the average daytime high for this time of year is between 1 – 1.5 C. In comparison, London’s high on Friday will reach 8 C with a mix of sun and cloud.

There will be a 40 per cent chance of showers overnight with a low of –1 C.

With Friday’s springlike weather, Archibald says there are some things to talk about; namely a disturbance that’s working its way across the region and dragging along a cold front with “significant wind.”

“We could see in excess of 50, maybe even 60 kilometer per hour winds forecast across parts of southwestern Ontario. That would take us into early Saturday, potentially dragging on pre-dawn,” he said. “It’s going to be a breezy weekend, but there will still be some sunshine at hand.”

Saturday will see a mix of sun and cloud, becoming cloudier in the afternoon. The high will reach –2 C, feeling like –12 with the wind chill.

“What we are concerned about is the next 24 hours and the potential of seeing some snow. And if we do see some snow maybe mixed in with some rainfall, that could mean a light dusting, maybe the potential of some snow sticking to the ground,” Archibald explained.

London will see periods of snow and a low of –9 C on Saturday night, with a continued chance of flurries and a high of –5 C on Sunday.

“Light dusting anywhere from say Lake St. Clair in and around those areas, working along the 401 towards Chatham Kent, London, Kitchener Waterloo,” he said.

Here’s a look at London’s long-range forecast

Friday night: Mainly cloudy. 40 percent chance of showers overnight. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. Low minus 1.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Becoming cloudy late in the afternoon. Wind northwest 20 km/h. Temperature steady near minus 2. Wind chill minus 12 in the afternoon. UV index 3 or moderate.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of flurries. High minus 5.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. High minus 3.

Tuesday: Cloudy with 60 percent chance of rain or snow. High plus 2.

Wednesday: Cloudy. High plus 5.

Thursday: Cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers. High 6.