Current Conditions: A Windy Wake-Up
Toronto starts the day under mostly cloudy skies with a temperature of -4.1°C at Pearson International Airport. Strong westerly winds at 46 km/h, with gusts up to 67 km/h, create a biting wind chill of -13°C. Humidity is at 73%, and the barometric pressure is rising at 100.9 kPa. Visibility is a clear 24 km, but those gusty winds make the morning feel much colder than it looks.
Thursday Forecast: Flurries and Frosty Gusts
Today’s weather features a mix of sun and cloud, with a 70% chance of flurries early in the morning, tapering to a 30% chance later. Westerly winds will continue at 40 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h, keeping the wind chill near -14°C. The high temperature will hover around -4°C.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy skies are expected tonight, with a 40% chance of early evening flurries. Winds will ease slightly, reaching 30 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h. Temperatures will drop to -9°C, with a wind chill near -17°C, making for a bitterly cold evening.
Weekend Outlook: Warming Up After a Chilly Friday
Friday
Sunny skies return as winds lighten to 20 km/h by morning, calming further in the afternoon. Highs will reach -1°C, with morning wind chills of -17 improving to -3 by the afternoon. The night brings scattered clouds and a low of -10°C.
Saturday
A cloudy day ushers in milder temperatures, with highs reaching 3°C. Clouds will linger overnight with a low of 1°C.
Sunday
Sunday continues the warming trend, but with a 60% chance of rain or snow. Highs will reach 4°C, and the night brings a 40% chance of showers and a low of 3°C.
Historic High and Low for December 12
The record high for this date in Toronto was a balmy 15.6°C in 1979, while the coldest temperature ever recorded was -19.4°C in 1942. Today’s conditions fall comfortably between these extremes, but those gusty winds make it feel closer to the latter!
Wardrobe Advice: Dress for the Chill
Layering is key today, especially with those strong winds. A wind-resistant coat, hat, gloves, and scarf are essential to keep the chill at bay. Warm footwear is a must for venturing out.
Safety Reminders
- Hold onto your hats (literally) as gusty winds can catch you by surprise.
- Be cautious of blowing debris while commuting.
- Protect your skin from windburn with moisturizing lotions or balms.
Weather Trivia: Why Does Toronto Get Windy?
Toronto’s location along Lake Ontario creates a wind tunnel effect, especially during westerly winds. This amplifies gusts and contributes to the city’s brisk, wintery feel during colder months.
