Get set for a last winter blast on Friday

Spring officially begins with the equinox at 6:37 a.m. Saturday.

But before winter departs stage leftit will deliver somesnowfor its final act.

Theforecast remains a bit trickywith the timing of the system and the transition from rain to snowboth being keyto the forecast.

Based on the latest guidance, itappears Nova Scotia will see snowfall totals ranging from 5-20 centimetres for Friday.

There's thepotential for over 20 centimetres along the Eastern Shore areaand into Cape Breton, where the snowwill hang on a little longer into Friday evening.

Timeline

The system moving into the region will continue to bring showers through Thursday, however, aslow-moving trailingfront will mix the rain over to snow on Thursday night, as winds shift to northerly and temperatures fall.

By the time most of us wake up on Friday morningwe'll have transitioned to snow, so expect a slick and slushy drive to work as the snow accumulates.

Be mindful that falling temperatures throughout the day will lead to icy conditions with fresh snow falling on top. Northerly winds increasing with gusts 50-60 km/hwill alsolead tolocalized blowing and drifting snow in exposed areas.

The snow will slowly depart from west to east through Friday afternoon and evening, however, prepare for more snowy and icy roads for the drive home.

The snow is set to departfrom eastern areas of Cape Breton through early Friday evening.

Spring arrives!

Some good news? You don't have to sweat too much aboutshovelling with this one.

As spring arrives on Saturday morningso will the mild weather.

Temperatures will climb above the freezing mark on Saturday afternoon and continue to climb into the high single digits and low double digits on Sunday.

Widespread double digits and even temperatures into the teens are looking likely for Monday and Tuesday afternoon!

Whatever falls on Friday has anexpiration date that is quickly approaching.

Keep up to date with our live weather blog, updated every day.