Special Weather Statement in effect for most of the region ahead of rapid thaw

A brief warmup is on the way before a weekend plunge, CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison brings you the latest forecast.

A Special Weather Statement is in place for Midwestern Ontario as we see a mix of rain and melting snow.

“We’ve had the melt. So all of the snow banks have been melting and then of course adding into that rainfall,” said CTV Meteorologist Julie Atchison. “The ability for the ground to absorb the moisture will be limiting over the next couple of days.”

According to Environment Canada, 15 to 25 millimetres is possible. Due to the frozen ground, it will not be able to absorb the water as easily.

“For your Wednesday forecast, we’ll take the temperature to 11 degrees,” said Atchison. “The record high [for the region is] 12. So we’ll be approaching records.”

The statement is expected to be in effect through Wednesday. Flooding in low areas is possible with a risk of thunderstorms and 25 millimetres expected by Wednesday night.

The mild temperatures are not set to last though, “The temperature drops with the passage of a cold front and the high plus two on Friday with a rain snow mix,” said Atchison.

Here’s your London area forecast

Tuesday night: Mainly cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers this evening and after midnight. Rain beginning after midnight. Amount 5 to 10 mm. Wind becoming south 30 km/h gusting to 50 before morning. Low plus 3.

Wednesday: Showers or drizzle. Risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Fog patches dissipating in the afternoon. Amount 10 to 15 mm. Wind south 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming light early in the afternoon. High 11.

Thursday: Flurries. Windy. High minus 1.

Friday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of rain showers or flurries. High plus 2.

Saturday: Cloudy with 30 per cent chance of flurries. High minus 2.