‘Above where we should be’: Toronto braces for unusually warm, wet January day

A risk of fog and light winds will give way to mild day with spots of sun. CP24’s Bill Coulter has a look at today’s weather.

Toronto is set for a brief January warm spell, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal norms today and peaking near 11 C on Friday.

Environment Canada says residents can expect fog patches, cloud cover, and showers moving in overnight before a much warmer and wetter Friday afternoon.

According to officials, today will see a daytime high of 5 C, with a few fog patches expected in the late morning.

• Full forecast and everything else you need to know about GTA weather

However, conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight.

“A few clouds. Increasing cloudiness late this evening then 40 percent chance of showers overnight. Showers beginning before morning. Wind becoming east 20 km/h after midnight. Temperature steady near plus 5,” the agency said in its forecast.

‘So far above where we should be’

Friday is expected to bring the warmest temperatures, with a daytime high of 11 C and periods of rain or drizzle.

CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter said the temperature is far outside what’s typical for January.

“11 C is so far above where we should be this year, it’ll be warm.”

Coulter said Thursday will be the more comfortable of the two days.

“Overcast skies, we’ll see some sunny breaks light winds… it’ll be a very pleasant day today and while some of you may be looking at tomorrow saying wow, it will also come with a bit of a price,” he said, adding that residents can expect showers in the afternoon.

“While it will be very warm it will also be a much windier and wetter day.”

Enjoy today, rain arrives Friday

Coulter added that those planning to get out of the house may want to take advantage of the calmer conditions today.

“In my estimation it will be a much more comfortable day for getting errands done without the need for an umbrella or an uncomfortable hat.”

By Friday, however, the combination of rain, wind, and much warmer air is expected to make for a soggier and messier day across the city.