Residents of Orangeville can expect a stretch of unsettled spring weather this week as temperatures shift from unseasonably warm conditions today to a mix of rain and snow heading into Friday morning. According to Environment Canada, Thursday will reach a high of 17°C, which is significantly higher than the usual daytime average of 10°C for this time of year.
The mild weather will be short-lived, however, as temperatures are forecast to drop to 1°C tonight. Rain mixed with snow is expected to develop overnight and continue through Friday morning, which could lead to slippery road conditions for morning commuters. The precipitation is expected to taper off near noon on Friday, with the high for the day reaching 5°C.
The Town of Orangeville notes that crews prioritize main streets and arterial roads first during weather events to keep travel lanes clear. Residential and side streets are addressed once main routes are serviced, with sanding and salting typically performed alongside plowing if road surfaces become slippery.
Looking ahead to the weekend, conditions are expected to become more stable with sunny skies forecasted for Saturday. Residents will see a high of 9°C during the day, followed by a clear night with temperatures dipping to -1°C. There are currently no weather alerts in effect for the area.
The fluctuating conditions follow a seasonal outlook from The Weather Network, which predicted a sluggish start to spring for Ontario. Meteorologists attribute the persistent cold, alongside periods of snow and ice, to La Niña and polar vortex conditions that have contributed to a difficult transition away from winter weather.
