Today : Sep 08, 2025
Climate & Environment
20 March 2025

Southern Ontario Braces For Weekend Weather Shift

Residents face a sudden chill after unseasonably warm midweek temperatures, with rain and colder conditions expected.

As winter tries to hold on for one last weekend, residents of southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), are preparing for a sudden drop in temperatures right after a brief flirt with warmer weather. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, saw the region bask in unseasonably warm temperatures that reached a high of 18°C. However, forecasters from Environment and Climate Change Canada predict a drastic change starting Thursday.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, people can expect a chillier day with rain. The weather will kick off with a 60% chance of showers in the morning and winds coming from the southwest at around 20 km/h. These winds could escalate in the afternoon, gusting up to 60 km/h. The high for the day is projected to be around 13°C, before plunging to about 2°C as the day concludes. A 30% chance of more rain lingers into the evening, which will see overnight lows dipping to -4°C, making it feel more like -8°C due to wind chill.

As for Friday, March 21, 2025, the weather takes a sharp turn for the colder. The high will only reach about 2°C during the day, continuing a trend of cool temperatures. Saturday, March 22, 2025, won’t be much better, as forecasts indicate a high of 5°C featuring rain across several areas, including Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Burlington, Oakville, and Durham Region. Hamilton may experience slightly cooler temperatures. Nighttime lows on Saturday could plunge to around -9°C, alongside a 30% chance of experiencing rain showers or flurries.

Sunday, March 23, 2025, might bring slightly brighter conditions, with sunny skies expected. However, the temperature will remain stubbornly low, peaking at 2°C and dropping to -1°C overnight. As the weekend wraps up, a 40% chance of either snow or rain looms in the evening, indicating that the unpredictable nature of spring weather is far from over.

This unpredictable weather pattern is characteristic of early spring in the region, where fluctuations can swing from unexpectedly warm to chillingly cold within days. While some residents might relish the final flings of winter, others eagerly anticipate the arrival of more stable, seasonally appropriate weather.

That said, those planning outdoor activities over the weekend should prepare accordingly, dressing in layers and keeping weather gear handy. Whether it's rain, snow, or cold winds, spring's variable nature means that residents need to stay alert and flexible.

With this forecast, it’s essential to monitor updates from Environment Canada and other local meteorological sources to ensure safety while navigating the rushed transition into spring.