Bracebridge residents are being warned to prepare for a rapid drop in temperatures tonight as Environment Canada forecasts a plunge to -10 degrees Celsius overnight, with wind chills reaching a bitter -18 degrees by Saturday morning.
Snow squalls are forecast to bring 2 to 4 centimetres of snow overnight, with northwest winds gusting to 40 kilometres per hour creating poor visibility on local roads. The quick transition from spring-like weather to bitter cold has already proven hazardous. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to 16 motor vehicle collisions during the first snowfall of the season, with the majority occurring on secondary roads.
The Town of Bracebridge reminds residents that vehicles cannot be parked on roads between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m. during winter months to allow crews to clear snow. Those planning travel this weekend are advised to use caution and ensure their vehicles are equipped with emergency supplies, including a shovel, blanket, warm clothing, booster cables, and a flashlight.
The dramatic temperature swing is not unusual for late March in Muskoka, where March typically sees temperatures ranging from 1 degree during the day to -6 degrees at night. However, the District Municipality of Muskoka has noted that climate change is causing more extreme weather swings, with conditions like this expected to become more frequent.
The good news is that conditions are expected to clear by Sunday, with temperatures rebounding to a sunny 10 degrees by Monday, March 30 – a roughly 20-degree jump within 72 hours.
