London narrowly misses winter storm battering southern Ontario

Above zero temperatures will see London receive rainfall Wednesday as a winter storm batters the GTA and eastern shores of Lake Huron.

As a winter storm hammers the region out towards the Golden Horseshoe and eastern shores of Lake Huron Wednesday, the Forest City will be spared due to temperatures above the freezing mark.

According to CTV News London’s Meteorologist Julie Atchison, a weather system is bringing a wintry mix to southern Ontario on Wednesday.

Widespread watches and warnings are in effect east of London, in Oxford, Perth, and parts of Huron and Bruce counties, and further east towards Wellington County and the Golden Horseshoe, with ice pellets, freezing rain and snowfall in the mix.

London is not under any watches or warnings with temperatures “playing a major role” in the area being spared the winter storm impacting the region further east.

With above freezing temperatures and rainfall sweeping through London, a “major thaw” is underway, but Atchison cautions possible flooding in low-lying areas due to the rain and snow melt.

“Londoners, as you head home for the day, expect overcast conditions with a chance of some light freezing drizzle. Temperatures will be dropping below freezing tonight, and that will lead to some icy conditions across most of the region,” she said.

The extended forecast will see daytime temperatures hold above the freezing mark, but the sun won’t make an appearance anytime soon.

London will see 10-15 mm of rain on Wednesday, with a high of 1C. Overnight, the temperatures will hold steady at 0 C, with cloudy skies and a 60 per cent chance of drizzle or freezing drizzle changing to 60 per cent chance of freezing drizzle near midnight/

Thursday will see much of the same, with overcast skies and a 30 per cent chance of rain showers in the afternoon, and risk of freezing drizzle in the morning.

“This is the time of year where we see major fluctuation outside the City of London,” she said. “If you are traveling from London east or northeast, you will encounter freezing rain with widespread warnings continuing.”

Bus cancellations

Huron-Perth

Lambton-Kent/Grand Bend

Bruce-Grey

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

Wednesday: Periods of rain with risk of freezing rain. Rainfall amount 10 to 15 mm. Wind east 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature steady near plus 1. UV index 1 or low.

Wednesday night: Cloudy. 60 percent chance of drizzle or freezing drizzle changing to 60 percent chance of freezing drizzle near midnight. Wind east 20 km/h. Temperature steady near zero.

Thursday: Cloudy. 30 percent chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Risk of freezing drizzle in the morning. Wind east 20 km/h. High plus 4. UV index 2 or low.

Friday: Cloudy with 70 percent chance of rain. High 6.

Saturday: Cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries or rain showers. High plus 2.

Sunday: Cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries. High zero.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of flurries. High minus 3.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. High minus 5.