All four seasons wrapped in one day has taken shape in southern Ontario.
After a balmy start to Wednesday that brought rain and thunderstorms, and where the mercury touched 14 in Barrie, according to The Weather Network around mid-morning, a cold front plowed through during the lunch hour, sending the temperature into a nosedive.
While the flash freeze warning has been lifted for the Barrie, Collingwood, Midland and Orillia areas, it remains in place for Haliburton where ice could make for hazardous conditions on roads, sidewalks and in parking lots.
The wind across the region has gusted to between 70 and 80 km/h and will be a factor this evening and overnight as snow squalls begin to take shape.
A snow squall warning is in effect for the Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia and Midland areas, as well as Blue Mountains, while a snow squall watch remains in place for southern Simcoe County such as Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Essa, as well as northern sections of York and Durham regions including Newmarket and Beaverton.
Environment Canada says snow squalls will begin this evening and last through tomorrow morning, with local accumulations of 20 to 40 cm and peak snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm per hour.
The strong wind will create near zero visibility at times in blowing snow.
If there is any consolation, a nice rebound is in store Friday with sunshine and a high near 10.
Banner image: St. Vincent Park - Barrie -2024 - Barrie 360
