This week’s weather: Snow and freezing rain in the forecast for southern Ontario

Spring sunshine made a brief appearance late in the weekend across southern Ontario, but a fast-moving system is already shifting conditions as the final week of March begins, bringing snow, strong winds and a risk of freezing rain.

RELATED: Snow and gusty winds to disrupt Monday’s commute in Ontario

As of today (March 23), skies will be sunny with light winds of 15 km/h. Temperatures will reach a daytime high of 1 C, though wind chills will make it feel closer to –10 C. The UV index is expected to climb to a moderate 4. Environment Canada advises protecting your skin between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when levels are moderate or higher.

By evening, clouds will roll in as a mix of snow and rain moves across southern Ontario, including Mississauga, Brampton, Halton, Hamilton and Durham. Snow is expected to begin before midnight, changing to rain by morning, with 2 to 4 cm of accumulation possible. Winds from the southeast will pick up to 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h through the night. Temperatures will range from –1 C to 1 C, but wind chills could make it feel as cold as –7 C.

Monday brings unsettled weather, with mainly cloudy skies and a 40 per cent chance of showers. Winds will shift from southeast to southwest, strengthening to 30 km/h and gusting to 50 km/h. Daytime highs will reach 6 C before falling to 4 C in the afternoon. The UV index will hold steady at 4.

By evening, skies will remain partly cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of rain showers, which may switch over to flurries later in the evening. Strong southwest winds are expected to continue overnight, with gusts near 50 km/h. Temperatures will dip to –1 C with a wind chill of –9 C.

Tuesday stays cool and cloudy, with a 30 per cent chance of flurries or rain through the day. Afternoon highs will rise to 1 C. The evening will bring cloudy periods and a 30 per cent chance of more flurries, with temperatures falling to –4 C overnight.

Wednesday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of flurries. Temperatures will hover near 1 C during the day before falling to –3 C overnight under clear skies.

Thursday warms up slightly with a mix of sun and cloud and a daytime high of 6 C. Skies will become mostly cloudy by night, while temperatures remain relatively mild with a low of 1 C.

Friday brings another round of grey skies with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a high of 3 C. The cloudy conditions will continue into the evening, with the possibility of rain returning. Overnight temperatures will slip to –1 C.

Saturday closes the week with the potential for freezing rain. Temperatures will hover near 1 C, then rise slightly to 2 C in the evening as precipitation continues.