Mother’s Day weekend starts mild before cooling Sunday

Julie Atchison has the latest forecast for southwestern Ontario

Sunshine will give way to increasing cloud cover overnight as a weather system tracks south of the region, but conditions are expected to remain dry across much of southwestern Ontario, according to meteorologist Julie Atchison.

Atchison said Friday afternoon will see temperatures climb into the mid-teens, with London reaching about 13 C and a forecast high of 15 C. Areas farther north, toward Wiarton, will be slightly cooler.

A weak low-pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley will bring cloud into the region overnight, along with the possibility of some fog. However, Atchison noted that precipitation should remain south, with showers largely confined to the Lake Erie shoreline.

“Across the northern areas, it’s mainly just a bit of cloud cover to contend with,” she said.

IN PHOTOS: April Viewer Photos

IN PHOTOS: April Dogs of the Day

Overnight temperatures are expected to dip to about 7 C along the Lake Huron shoreline, 4 C through inland areas such as Huron and Perth counties, and around 6 C in London.

A more active pattern arrives Saturday, when a cold front is expected to move in during the afternoon. Atchison said scattered showers will develop along the frontal boundary, with the potential for isolated thunderstorms.

Ahead of the front, temperatures will remain mild. “We’ll see some warmer conditions leading into Saturday before that front arrives,” Atchison said.

The unsettled weather comes as many prepare for Mother’s Day weekend, though conditions are expected to improve by Sunday. The chance of showers has been reduced to about 30 per cent, with a mix of sun and cloud and cooler temperatures.

Saturday’s high is expected to reach 21 C, before cooling to around 13 C on Sunday. Monday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a high near 11 C.

“Overall, it’s a bit unsettled heading into the weekend, but Saturday will be mild, and there should be some sunshine for Mother’s Day,” Atchison said.