Feeling like July in Ontario, but the snow risk does return, and fast
Enjoy this exceptional April warmth while you can in southern Ontario because if you're looking at the long-range forecast, you'll see a huge change coming for the start of next week.
Daytime high temperatures forecast on Wednesday and Thursday for Toronto and surrounding locations are actually closer to July and August daytime normals, as temperatures soar into the mid-to-high 20s. Couple that with abundant sunshine, and it will make things feel ever warmer.
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Toronto finally hit its first 20-degree day of the year on Monday, and there will be many more chances for that with the warmth continuing.
Places in southern Ontario are looking at a consistent five- to six-day stretch of 20+ degree temperatures this week. It was mid-September, seven months ago, when most places saw this great of a stretch of weather above 20°C.
A southwesterly flow is helping to minimize the lake-breeze influence, even bringing warmth in to some lakeshore areas, as well.
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With the warmth, also comes a high UV index, however, with sunscreen application or sun exposure probably not currently at top of mind -- especially after southern Ontario just came out of the darkest winter in 76 years due to an active storm track and cloudy lake conditions.
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We'll see a UV index of 6 to 7 (high), so caution is urged if you are planning to spend extended time outdoors, or enjoy a mid-April patio lunch.
This week's soaring temperatures won't be quite enough to break the all-time monthly high temperatures for April at Toronto's airport. The thermometer would have to exceed 31.1°C for it to be a monthly record. Temperatures by Thursday could crack the top 10 warmest April days for Toronto, however, if temperatures exceed 28°C.
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Spring weather rollercoaster continues, with frost and snow returning next week
While it's been a long wait for this well-deserved spring warm spell, April is still a changeable month. We are not by any means locked into summer just yet. A classic Canada spring returns as early as next week.
A cold front is expected to track across southern Ontario on Sunday, possibly sparking a period of showers and thunderstorms.
Conditions will then turn much colder behind the front, with temperatures sitting a few degrees cooler than seasonal early next week. For some, it will be nearly a 20-degree drop from the summer-like values that will span the region this week.
It's not just the drop in temperatures, either. Snow flurries are likely, especially across the higher terrain east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Outlying areas may also see frost and the potential for graupel.
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Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Ontario.
