Toronto Could See Its First Snow of the Season This Week
Toronto has had a mild start to November. That could change soon. Forecasters say Toronto could see its first snow of the season later this week, along with the coldest air so far this fall.
The change is set to arrive on Thursday, November 12, and last into the weekend. It will not be a big storm. But it could be the first time this season that people see a few flakes in the air and feel temperatures drop to freezing at night.
What the Forecast Says
Environment and Climate Change Canada expects Toronto to drop to an overnight low of 0°C on Thursday. With the wind, it could feel like -3°C. Lows near 0°C are also expected on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14.
There is about a 30 per cent chance of rain showers or flurries on those days, according to the federal forecast. The Weather Network says a low pressure system from Illinois will move over Lake Erie. It will bring rain to southern Ontario on Thursday and Friday. Some of that rain could turn into flurries on Friday.
Areas north of the city may see more of it. The Weather Network lists Barrie, Newmarket, Orangeville, Owen Sound, Gravenhurst and Bancroft as places where rain could change to flurries. Parts of the GTA could see the same. The exact spots and amounts are still not clear, and the forecast may change as the week goes on.
Key Details
- When: Thursday, November 12, to Saturday, November 14
- Overnight lows: Around 0°C, feeling like -3°C with the wind on Thursday
- Friday high in Toronto: About 4°C, feeling like 1°C
- Chance of rain or flurries: About 30 per cent
- Sunday outlook: A high of 9°C with sun and cloud
A Record Could Be Close
The cold snap also matters for another reason. Toronto has not hit its first freezing day yet this season. The Weather Network says the latest first freezing day on record for the city was November 13, 2022. This year could come close to that date.
“It’ll be a close call this year to see if that record will be broken,” The Weather Network said, as reported by blogTO.
CTV News Toronto also says the city is in for wet flurries later this week. It notes that the warm weather will not last, so people may want to enjoy it while they can.
How to Get Ready
This is a good time to take care of a few winter jobs before the cold settles in. Here are some simple ideas:
- Bring out your warm coat, hat and gloves before Thursday night.
- Check your car tires and think about booking winter tires.
- Keep an umbrella handy, since rain is more likely than snow in the city.
- Leave a bit of extra time for your drive or transit trip on Friday.
Most of the rain and flakes will likely melt on contact in Toronto. Roads should stay mostly clear in the city. Areas to the north have a better chance of seeing a light coating.
What Happens Next
Temperatures are set to warm up again on Sunday, November 15, with a high of about 9°C and a 30 per cent chance of showers. Forecasters will update the details as the system gets closer, so check Environment Canada or The Weather Network before you head out on Thursday and Friday. The real start of winter may still be a few weeks away, but this week could give Toronto its first taste of it.
References
- blogTO, Southern Ontario could get taste of winter this week including snow in Toronto
- Narcity, Ontario’s weather forecast calls for the coldest air of the season and snow this week
- CTV News Toronto, Toronto’s forecast calls for the first flurries of the season later this week
- Environment Canada, Toronto, ON 7 Day Forecast
