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Toronto Basks in Unseasonably Warm Weather as Records Shattered

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A stretch of warm and dry weather has blanketed Toronto, shattering temperature records and bringing out Torontonians to enjoy the city's waterfront, parks, and patios. The unseasonably warm weather, caused by a stationary area of high pressure, has seen highs reach 26 C, just shy of the record 26.3 C set in 2007. The warm spell is forecast to continue until Wednesday, with temperatures expected to dip to 12 C by Thursday.

Key Takeaways:

  • The warm weather is caused by a stationary area of high pressure sitting south of the lower Great Lakes, generating winds from the southwest that bring warm temperatures from the southern American states.
  • The temperature records shattered during this period include Monday's high of 26 C, just short of the record 26.3 C set in 2007, and Tuesday's forecast high of 22 C, close to the 25.1 C record also set in 2007.
  • The normal high for this time of year is 12 C, making the current warm spell a significant anomaly.
  • Experts predict the nice weather may impact the autumn foliage, as the ideal environment for vibrant fall colours is cold and sunny, with close to freezing overnight temperatures.
  • The warm weather is a boon to the hospitality industry, with patrons and proprietors enjoying the pleasant weather on patios and at restaurants.
  • The temperature will drop to around 10 C to 14 C by Thursday and the weekend, before bouncing back up again next week.

Statistics:

  • Monday's high temperature was 26 C.
  • The record high temperature for Oct. 21 is 26.3 C, set in 2007.
  • Tuesday's forecast high temperature is 22 C, close to the 25.1 C record set in 2007.
  • The passage of a cold front is expected to bring showers later on Wednesday, which will also be a warm day.
  • Thursday and the weekend's daytime highs are expected to be around 10 C to 14 C.

Sources:

  • Geoffrey Coulson, warning preparedness meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Sean Thomas, professor of forest ecology at the University of Toronto
  • Toronto Star article: "Toronto basks in unseasonably warm weather as records shattered" by Raju Mudhar and Kristjan Lautens
  • The Canadian Press

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