Willing to take SNOW in August for Toronto Raptors' win
As the Toronto Raptors write a new page in the record books, super fans say they'd give anything for the win, including their summer weather.
Here at The Weather Network we're used to the Toronto buzz, mostly in the form of epic snow storms that turn city streets into ice rinks, stunning flashes of lightning that fire up over the CN Tower and even the recent desperate pleas for any signs of the most sought after summer season. But now, as the city -- and truly whole country unites -- the buzz is all about the beloved Toronto Raptors. That's as the team writes a new page in the record book, entering Game 5 of their first-ever NBA Finals against the two-time reigning champs, the Golden State Warriors.
OUR PREDICTIONS: Raptors have 75% chance of winning based on rain
"The vibe and sense of community is incredible in Jurassic Park," said The Weather Network's Rachel Schoutsen who joined the sea of red and purple ahead of the first home game win of the series. "And it was especially funny to hear Raptors fans argue over sports and the weather."
Summer revealed! Visit our Complete Guide to Summer 2019 for an in depth look at the Summer Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more
It’s been no secret that Toronto has stopped at nothing to show the Raptors and their star forward, Kawhi Leonard, their undying love with some offering condos, free food and the ultimate VIP treatment to convince the allstar line-up to stick together. Hey, WE even made the (risky) promise of good weather to the southern California native who felt Toronto was a bit too cold for his liking this winter.
This latest sacrifice however, takes on a whole new meaning of support as we found, more Canadians than not, would even GIVE UP their summer weather for the title of the 2019 NBA champions.
MUST SEE: Game 5 forecast, heavy rain potential
WHAT WOULD BE MORE DISAPPOINTING: TORONTO LOSING THE FINALS OR SUMMER NEVER ARRIVING IN THE CITY?
"The Raptors losing would be more disappointing," one fan told Schoutsen, saying he wouldn't even mind if it snowed in August if that meant the championship for Toronto.
And that sentiment was mutual as we scanned the crowds, seeing a lot of head shakes and body shudders at even the thought of a Raptors' loss at this point.
"As long as we win and get to keep Kawhi, I'm down for anything," another fan said with the bargaining chip of a -15 windchill on July 31 not even phasing him in the slightest.
"Summer is special, but clearly the Raptors are a little more precious," Schoutsen said in awe of the loyalty.
Can we really fault these super fans who are willing to forgo their summer weather though? Especially in a spring that's failed to deliver any sort of consistent spring warmth.
"I don't mind not having the summer, I can deal with the cold, it's been like that all year anyways," was the common tone ringing from Jurassic Park.
MUST READ: Kawhi would be silly to leave Toronto (in our opinion)
WATCH BELOW: CANADIAN WEATHER IS SOMETHING YOU'LL GET USED TO, KAWHI
SUMMER WEATHER DELAYED REGARDLESS OF THE WIN
Now, we're getting nervous.
If the Toronto Raptors can't manage to secure the win, we could be looking at a double loss as far as the summer weather goes. In the official 2019 Summer Forecast released last month, Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham described the next three months as "changeable" with less extreme heat expected across southern Ontario in comparison to last year.
"Southern Ontario will continue to struggle to see consistent warmth during June and the potential for typical mid-summer heat looks to be higher during mid and late summer," Gillham says in the forecast. "...It looks like we will continue with our recent trend of warm Septembers with above normal temperatures expected throughout the region."
#WeTheNorth.