Windiest winter in 15 years: Toronto was a non-stop gust fest
This was Toronto’s windiest winter in over a decade
If it felt like you spent this winter bracing against the wind, you weren’t imagining things—Toronto just endured its windiest winter in 15 years.
With an hourly mean wind speed of 18.7 km/h for December through February, this season ranks as the city’s fifth-windiest winter on record and the windiest since 2009-2010.
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How windy was it?
Winter is typically the windiest time of year, but this season stood out.
Toronto’s wind speeds averaged 18.7 km/h, well above the city’s usual winter gusts.
A winter that remains untouched and the king of kite-flying is 2006-2007, which holds the record at 20.1 km/h.
One week that stood out was the week of December 30—the windiest week since at least 2022.
Why was this winter so windy?
Several factors contribute to a windier-than-usual season.
Stronger jet streams, frequent low-pressure systems, and an active storm track can all bring more sustained winds.
This winter’s pattern favored frequent storms and tighter pressure gradients, which led to persistent gusts across the region.
Maximum winter wind gusts at YYZ:
December 2024: 82 km/h
January 2025: 71 km/h
February 2025: 85 km/h
What causes wind?
Wind is driven by differences in atmospheric pressure. When high and low-pressure systems form, air moves from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure, creating wind.
In winter, stronger temperature gradients between clashing air masses lead to more intense pressure systems, ramping up wind speeds.
When will the winds ease? Historically, summer is Toronto’s least windy season, so relief should come in the months ahead. But for now, this winter’s relentless gust fest is one Toronto won’t soon forget.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast updates across Ontario.