Ontario's long weekend features thunder risk, fleeting warmth

Outdoor plans may require adjustments this Easter long weekend in Ontario

Two Colorado lows will track across Ontario through the Easter weekend, delivering rain, thunderstorms, and a short-lived return of 20°C temperatures to the south. Meanwhile, northern parts of the province could be dealing with up to 50 cm of snow.

Weather Highlights:

  • Showers begin Thursday in southwestern Ontario, spreading eastward, with intermittent rain and a chance of overnight thunderstorms

  • Good Friday will see 20°C highs from Windsor to Ottawa as rain tapers off by the afternoon

  • More rain arrives Saturday, with a cold front possibly triggering thunderstorms

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Consecutive Colorado lows bring unsettled weather and shifting temperatures for Easter

A chance of thunderstorms that developed across southwestern Ontario late Thursday will persist into the overnight hours. Atmospheric conditions are likely to limit both the number and intensity of thunderstorms.

Baron - Ontario rain and thunderstorm timing Friday am - April 2

Temperatures will continue to rise into early Friday morning as warm air moves into the region.

Good Friday will start mild, with temperatures reaching the 20s from Windsor to Ottawa, marking Ottawa’s first 20°C day of the year.

Baron - Ontario Friday afternoon temps - April 2

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Eastern Ontario can expect morning rain and a few thunderstorms, but most of the day will remain rain-free aside from isolated showers.

Mild conditions will persist in southwestern Ontario into Saturday morning and afternoon before a second Colorado low arrives.

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Baron - Ontario Saturday afternoon precipitation - April 2

Rainfall will spread across the region Saturday morning, and the storm’s cold front may trigger additional thunderstorms in the afternoon.

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By Sunday, the cold front will usher in single-digit temperatures, with a wintry mix of precipitation spreading across Ontario. Northern parts of the province will be dealing with ice, and heavy snow, with as much as 50 cm forecast in some places.

Baron - Ontario Sunday temperatures - April 2

Be sure to check back for updates as we fine-tune this forecast.

WATCH: Storms light up the morning sky over southern Ontario