Late summer temperature rollercoaster continues in Ontario, risk for waterspouts Friday

Friday, September 13, 2013, 8:00 AM -

From record breaking heat, to frost warnings, the late summer temperature rollercoaster continues across Ontario.

A cold front that pushed through the region on Thursday sent temperatures plunging to below seasonal values in many areas. 

It also prompted Environment Canada to issue frost warnings for the Atikokan, Lake Nipigon and Geraldton communities Thursday night. The warning was extended to places like Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins on Friday.

It was actually cold enough for some light snow drizzle in Timmins Friday morning. That's right! Snow in September. 

"The normal low for this time of year is 6.0°C," says Weather Network meteorologist Monica Vaswani. "On Friday morning, temperatures dipped to 0.8°C, with snow drizzle reported."

The cooler conditions have not only left residents wondering what to wear, it's increased the risk for waterspouts over Lake Erie and Ontario Friday.

Be on the lookout for #waterspouts over the next few days over the Great Lakes ... #onstorm

— Dayna Vettese (@daynavettese) September 12, 2013

"It's definitely the season for waterspouts," says Weather Network meteorologist Monica Vaswani. "With the cold air aloft and the lakes still relatively warm, it increases the risk for waterspouts over the Great Lakes." 

What is a waterspout? 

A waterspout is a non supercell tornado that forms over a body water.

While they look like tornadoes, waterspouts are usually less destructive and have a shorter lifespan than land-based twisters. 

They do not suck water and are common in places like Florida, New Zealand and the Great Lakes.