Toronto smashes 80-year-old temperature record amid warm weather
An 80-year-old daily temperature record is at risk of being broken on Thursday for the Greater Toronto Area
A tease of late summer in the middle of autumn pushed into southern Ontario on Saturday, breaking a temperature record in Toronto as readings pushed toward the mid-20s.
Showers and possibly some thunderstorms will move into the region later this afternoon and evening, potentially bringing Toronto its first measurable precipitation in nearly two weeks.
Looking ahead, Ontario may have to wait a while before winter exerts its grip on the province.
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Brief burst of cold forecast in the north
Compared to southern Ontario, temperatures across northern Ontario are already fairly cool, with highs sitting in the single digits. However, northern Ontario has actually been experiencing slightly above-seasonal temperatures for this time of year.
The weekend and beginning of next week look to be much milder across the north, with highs in the low teens. But a couple of low-pressure systems in the forecast could bring widespread rain, wind, and a shot of chilly temperatures to the region by the late week.
It should only be brief, though, and the milder pattern should make a comeback heading into the second week of November.
Toronto shows no signs of freezing; 80-year-old record at risk
Toronto still hasn't recorded any temperatures at or below freezing since May 3. On average, we expect to see the first 0°C reading of the season around Oct. 13, which is now well behind us.
With a mild pattern forecast to continue into the start of November, there are no signs of freezing in the near future. For reference, average daytime temperatures across southern Ontario are around 10-11°C, and overnight lows are 3-4°C this time of year.
A notable warm front pushed temperatures into the low 20s across southern Ontario on Thursday, with Toronto Pearson hitting a preliminary value of 22.2°C, breaking the previous daily record of 21.7°C set in 1946.
Windsor has already exceeded 23°C, along with southwesterly winds gusting 40-50 km/h.
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However, despite the warmth, showers are expected to move across southern Ontario on Thursday. Rain will begin near Lake Huron and Georgian Bay late afternoon before reaching the GTA and London area by evening. Some lightning and thunder are possible and the rain could mark Toronto Pearson's first since Oct. 16.
It’s not too unusual to experience temperatures at or above 20°C this late in the season. We’re closing in on the average date of the last 20°C reading in Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor. However, conditions in the 20s can linger well into November.
A warm pattern in 2020 stands out, in particular, though Toronto did see accumulating snow just two weeks after that season’s final 20°C.
Mild, dry weather is expected to continue into next week, but a more unsettled pattern could develop late in the week. A low-pressured system moving from the central U.S. toward the Great Lakes could bring more substantial rainfall to southern Ontario.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across Ontario.