Heavy rain in the south, more snow in the north: Another system targets Ontario

Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 9:15 AM -

Lots of sunshine and near seasonal temperatures. That's likely the spring forecast several southern Ontarians have been waiting for.

"Down towards southwestern Ontario however, there may be increasing cloud through the day Wednesday and rain developing through the overnight," says Weather Network meteorologist Monica Vaswani. "There is also the potential that along the Erie shorelines, the rain may change to freezing rain or ice pellets at times before changing back to rain for the afternoon on Thursday."

SEE ALSO: Canada claims top spot for worst March weather...again

According to Vaswani, this moisture will push north and eastward towards London and Hamilton in the form of rain on Thursday evening.

"There is the chance it may be preceded by an area of mixed precipitation, likely wet snow or ice pellets," Vaswani says. "Models are in disagreement with the development of this state-side system for Thursday, so there is the potential that things could change."

Vaswani adds that an increase in cloud cover and an east wind will also keep temperatures cool on Thursday.

The system pushing in from the U.S. will become a story for most of Ontario as it moves northeastward on Friday. 

It will likely bring heavy rainfall to southern Ontario and even the small risk of thunderstorms in the southwest.

"This will also be a big severe weather maker in the U.S. on Wednesday and on Thursday," says Vaswani. "In the U.S., there is a moderate risk of severe weather on Thursday according to the SPC."

"Meanwhile from the same system, heavy snow may fall in northern and northwestern Ontario along with blowing snow essentially bringing them another snowstorm," Vaswani says.

That's after parts of the region were buried in upwards of 50 cm of snow earlier this week.

"A fierce winter storm has pummeled the region with a colossal snowfall and pockets of freezing rain in some areas," said Environment Canada in a weather summary on Tuesday. "Record snowfall amounts have been received in some locales including Sioux Lookout. Armstrong's snow depth has once again surpassed one metre, as if to emphasize spring's tentative start."

Northwestern Ontario can expect much drier and sunnier conditions on Wednesday, while northward towards James Bay, snow continues to fall through the day.

A winter storm warning remains in place for Fort Hope and Attawapiskat with up to 30 cm of snow possible.

"Travelers should consider changing their plans as driving conditions may be hazardous," EC warns.