In the midst of a pandemic, the arrival of spring Thursday is certainly being welcomed.
The new season officially starts March 19 at 11:49 p.m. and is the earliest arrival of the spring equinox in 124 years according to the Farmers' Almanac.
Environment Canada meteorologist Gerald Cheng said the weather in Sarnia-Lambton and southwestern Ontario will certainly feel springlike, at least initially.
"We're going to get some rain, perhaps even some thundershowers embedded into the rain, and also some very warm temperatures to start, there's a dip afterwards," said Cheng. "But if you look at the season, basically into the next three months, we are looking at temperatures that are above normal."
Sarnia's forecast calls for a high of 13 C, 55 F, Thursday with the low only dropping to 11 C, 52 F Thursday night. The mercury is forecast to rise Friday to 16 C, 61 F, before dropping off rapidly in the afternoon as winds shift northwesterly gusting to 60 km/h.
At this time of year, the normal high in Sarnia is 7 C, 45 F, and the low is -3 C, 27 F. Highs around 0 C, 32 F, are forecast over the weekend in Sarnia.
The early spring disturbance prompted Environment Canada to issue a special weather statement Thursday for wind and rain.
Cheng said the seasonal forecast, especially for southwestern Ontario, suggests precipitation will be above normal and that creates the possibility of flooding and erosion.
"Certainly something to watch for because, for example, if the winds are coming ashore, if they're strong then you may be affected. So I would really advise people to pay attention to the flood messages issued by the local conservation authority." -With files from Colin Gowdy