Fall Weather Insights: Summer Heat Lingers in GTA Until Monday

UPDATE: Environment Canada climatologist David Phillips warns the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will experience a continuation of warm weather as summer transitions to fall. In a recent interview, he confirmed that the fall season, officially beginning at 2:19 p.m. on September 25, 2023, will deliver more comfortable conditions, despite temperatures averaging seven degrees cooler in October compared to September.

Phillips emphasized that the warm days and cool nights typical of fall will prevail. “Fall is still going to give it to us,” he stated, highlighting that the weather models predict favorable conditions for weeks to come. He reassured residents that they will not be “paying for” the warm summer, which included an unprecedented 55 days of heat leading up to August.

As the season shifts, the average temperature is expected to drop significantly. By mid-November, temperatures could plunge 13 degrees compared to earlier fall averages. Residents can expect the first frost around October 9, although last year’s frost didn’t arrive until late November.

Reflecting on the summer of 2023, Phillips noted a late start to heat and humidity, stating, “We had to wait until almost the last week of June before we started complaining about the heat.” This summer saw an alarming number of tropical nights—nights with temperatures above 20°C—with 24 days hitting the 30°C mark, far exceeding the typical average of 16 to 17 days.

Phillips described this summer as the “summer of summers for some” or “too much summer” for others, as it was characterized by heat waves and dry conditions. Residents enjoyed a comfortable month leading up to the fall, with no need for air conditioning, helping them save on energy costs.

As the final full day of summer wraps up today, temperatures across the GTA are hovering in the low 20s, feeling closer to 25°C. However, showers and possible thunderstorms are expected to sweep in this evening, marking the end of the season.

With these developments, residents are encouraged to enjoy the lingering summer warmth while preparing for the autumn chill. Watch for updates as weather conditions evolve in the coming weeks.