Ontario weekend temperatures climb to mild February highs, side of rain for some
We may be in the middle of winter, but temperatures across Ontario over the weekend certainly won't make it feel like it is
We’ll end the workweek across southern Ontario with temperatures soaring to more than 15 degrees above normal in spots, a day that’ll feel more like spring than February.
The same system that brought deadly flooding to California early in the week is moving into Ontario as we head into the weekend, ushering in a chance for rain alongside those warmer winds.
Make sure to plan some outdoor time on Friday to enjoy the unseasonable warmth. Cooler temperatures will return before too long.
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Temperatures set to soar on Friday
Temperatures will soar through the day Friday as southwesterly winds push into the region. Daytime highs in both Toronto and Ottawa could come close to breaking daily temperature records.
Regardless of whether or not any temperature records are broken, Friday will see the first time since Dec. 15 that temperatures in Toronto have reached double digits.
Highs in the mid-teens are likely across southwestern Ontario, with temperatures climbing toward 12 or 13°C around the Greater Toronto Area.
Most of southern and central Ontario will see temperatures running 10+ degrees above seasonal for the second week of February. Predicted highs of 16°C in Windsor and 7°C in Timmins will both run 16 degrees above seasonal.
While some isolated showers are possible throughout southern Ontario on Friday, most of the region will see dry and mild conditions with some sunshine possibly making a guest appearance.
Unfortunately for folks up in northeastern Ontario, scattered showers will continue Friday and into the weekend before transitioning to flurries.
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Rain moves in by the weekend
We’ll see temperatures fall back from their lofty highs by Saturday as winds shift behind our departing low-pressure system. Scattered showers will continue for northeastern Ontario and transition to flurries with the arrival of colder air on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, a weak secondary low will track into southern Ontario early Saturday morning, bringing rain showers throughout the day.
The GTA looks to be on the northern edge of the most persistent rain, but Niagara will see the most consistent rain.
The rain will move east by Saturday afternoon, drawing colder air in from the north and triggering some lake-effect flurries across the snowbelt.
Above-seasonal conditions are still on tap for our Saturday, with daytime highs reaching the upper single digits for most of the region.
Don't write off the winter season just yet!
Despite this week's exceptional warm-up, it's not time to write off the winter season just yet.
A major pattern change will develop next week as temperatures trend colder.
There will be a period of transition, but we expect near seasonal, and at times, colder-than-seasonal temperatures will dominate during the second half of February and into the first half of March.
WATCH BELOW: What the upcoming cold air could mean for the Great Lakes
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Ontario.