Ontario's winter weather forecast calls for total chaos in December and a chilly Christmas
Winter weather is starting to creep in, and if you're wondering what's in store for Ontario's weather, we have some chilling news.
According to the long-range winter forecast from the Farmers' Almanac, southern and eastern Ontario regions like Toronto and Ottawa should brace for a wintry mix of snow, rain and plunging temperatures throughout November and December.
The upcoming months promise stormy conditions, cold snaps and potentially snowy holidays — maybe even a white Christmas — so if you're hoping for a gentle transition into winter, think again. And if you haven't got your winter tires on yet, now's the time to get on it!
Here's what Ontario's long-range weather forecast has in store as we move deeper into the winter season.
November: A stormy start
After record-breaking heat in many parts of the province on Wednesday, much cooler air is now blowing through, according to the Farmers' Almanac. The period from November 8 to 11 promises rapid temperature swings, with a storm sweeping through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, bringing heavy rain or wet snow followed by a blast of frigid air.
Mid-month (November 12 to 15), the Almanac calls for cloudy skies and cooler temperatures. A fast-moving storm around November 16 to 19 could bring more rain and wet snow, with temperatures dropping once again.
Things get interesting between November 20 to 23 as a battle between warm Gulf air from the south and northern cold sets off rain and even potential thunderstorms around the Great Lakes. The month wraps up wet and unsettled (November 24 to 27), with rain or wet snow showers and colder conditions from November 28 to 30. Bleh!
December: Cold and snowy
The chill really settles in by December, according to the Farmers' Almanac. The month begins with a mix of rain and wet snow shifting east into the Great Lakes, followed by clear, cold weather. Around December 4 to 7, a Texas-born storm heads north, likely blanketing eastern Ontario, the Golden Horseshoe and southwestern Ontario with snow and wintry mix. This is followed by a blast of very cold air.
Things should ease up slightly around December 8 to 11 with below-seasonal temperatures but relatively calm conditions — a "winterlude" for the Great Lakes, the Farmers' Almanac says. However, scattered snow showers and flurries take over from the 12th to the 15th. By December 16 to 19, expect mostly cloudy skies with little precipitation.
The lead-up to Christmas around December 20 to 23 looks to bring "rain and/or snow," before Christmas Eve and Christmas Day shine with cold, dry weather perfect for outdoor festivities.
Rounding out 2024, Ontario is forecasted to end the year on a frosty, dry note with chilly conditions persisting.
So, get ready to bundle up, Ontario! It looks like a cold, wintry season is ahead.
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