Double-digit temperature records this winter

Saturday, March 5, 2016, 12:23 PM - Much has been made of the historically mild winter of 2015-16 and now that the final numbers are in for the season (which we consider to be December, January, and February), we can start to analyze exactly how this winter compares to years past. So far the statistics are quite impressive.

As an example, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport recorded temperatures above 10°C fourteen times this winter. This sets a new record for double-digit days, beating the previous mark which occurred in the winter of 1949-1950.

In contrast, the number of days that exceed 10°C in an average winter in Toronto is three. December was the warmest month of the period, with nine days over 10°C.

Toronto wasn't the only place that enjoyed mild temperatures this winter. In fact, most of the country finished the season warmer than normal. For example, Halifax racked up ten days above 10°C, which ties for the third most on record.

Other parts of the country, though warmer than normal, didn’t quite manage to break through the double-digit barrier this year. Winnipeg for instance, lived up to its wintry reputation with no days over 10°C. However, don’t judge too harshly. Winter days that mild have only happened in Winnipeg twice since records began in 1938. They were in Feb. 25, 1958 and Dec. 6, 1939 which coincidentally both reached 11.7°C.

A temperature swing is expected next week as warm air in the Prairies moves east, resulting in double-digit highs for some in Ontario. Toronto could reach 14°C by Tuesday, while Windsor could hit 15°C.