January doesn't inspire too many thoughts of sun and fun, but outside is thawing nonetheless.

For Swift Current and the surrounding southwest, the forecast for this week is of mild chills and low positives on the thermometer. The resulting mid-day thaws and late-night re-freezes are having an impact on the snow and ice.

Decision Support Meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada, Janelle Gergley, explains how an upper ridge of high pressure is pulling air into the area from the Pacific Ocean and the United States.

"It's over much of the prairies really, and that's pushing right into southern Saskatchewan," said Gergley. 

The result is a temperate mid-winter break from the bitter cold that smothered the area during the Christmas break. While these temperatures do feel surreal, they are not all that uncommon.

"It's actually fairly common to see these fluctuations," said Gergley. "This might be above normal, or you know significantly above normal, but it's actually not abnormal."

Friday is calling for close to +4 C for the day. The recorded highest temperature for January 13 is +5.3 C. The mark is a little short, but right there in the ballpark.

Homeowners should take caution as the freeze/thaw conditions cycling in throughout the daytime can have impending consequences. Ice expands when it freezes, so any snow or ice that melts that then seeps into eaves, walls, or roofing, can lead to damage once it freezes and expands again. While there isn't too much concern for that with the mild conditions, it's always worth checking in on if you have had issues previously.

Aside from those concerns and late-night slippery conditions, the weather is expected to brighten the moods of those who can't wait for the summer sun to return to the southwest.