The GTA is getting a one-day reprieve from the chill of winter with record-setting, spring-like weather.

Toronto set a new record high for Jan. 30 when the temperature hit 9.2 C at Pearson airport at 6 a.m., eclipsing the old record of 9.1 C, which was set in 2006.

By 8:30 a.m., the temperature was 14 C, which was the predicted high for the day.

There will be periods of rain in the morning, late afternoon and evening, said CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter.

People will also have to contend with strong wind gusts later in the day as the temperature begins to slide back to normal territory as a Colorado low moves into the region.

Overnight, the temperature will drop to -4 C before rising to -3 C on Thursday afternoon.

Normal temperatures for this time of year are highs of -2 C and lows of -9 C.

Special weather statement

In a special weather statement, Environment Canada said temperatures are on a roller-coaster with rapidly-changing weather conditions thanks to a stalled warm front and the approaching Colorado low.

Up to 20 millimetres of rain is expected across southern Ontario by Thursday, but rainfall amounts may range between 20 to 40 mm near Georgian Bay, according to the special weather statement.

When the Colorado low moves in overnight, temperatures will plunge fairly quickly to below freezing, but a flash freeze is not anticipated, Environment Canada said.

On Thursday, winter will return in the snow belt regions to the southeast of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, where flurries and snow squalls are expected to develop, the national weather agency said.

Motorists in those areas should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.

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