Residents of Sarnia can expect a week of dramatic weather changes, beginning with cool and unsettled conditions before a significant warm-up arrives by mid-week.
According to Environment Canada, the start of the week will remain cool, with daytime temperatures between 5°C and 6°C through Tuesday. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop as low as -6°C. The current forecast for the area includes a 60 percent chance of showers today, April 5, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 km/h. Additional rounds of rain and the potential for thunderstorms are expected across Lambton County through Tuesday.
Conditions are forecast to improve by Wednesday, which will see a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 10°C. The trend continues on Thursday, when temperatures are expected to reach 17°C. This is significantly warmer than the seasonal normal of 11°C for Sarnia during this time of year.
The variable conditions are part of a broader spring pattern affecting Ontario. Experts, including those at The Weather Network and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, have noted that this spring is expected to be cooler and wetter than usual. Meteorologist Doug Gillham notes that the current volatility is tied to fading La Niña effects and a split polar vortex, which can allow cold Arctic air to move into the region periodically.
Local observations recorded at Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport at 10:00 AM on April 5 showed cloudy skies and a temperature of 4.6°C, with winds gusting to 33 km/h.
