Toronto woke up to a stunning white landscape on Monday as an unusually intense November snowstorm swept through the city. The rare early-season snowfall shattered weather records that had stood for over five decades, transforming the city into a winter wonderland weeks ahead of schedule.
A Historic Early November Snowfall
On Sunday, November 9, Toronto was blanketed by 9.8 centimeters of snow — the heaviest snowfall recorded on this date in 54 years. The previous record, set in 1971, stood at just 1.5 centimeters. The snow continued into the night, making it the most substantial early-season snowfall since October 1981.
Meteorologists described the event as highly unusual for this time of year. According to Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson, while light flurries in early November are not uncommon, this level of accumulation was unprecedented at Toronto Pearson International Airport, the city’s main weather monitoring station.
Southern Ontario Grapples with the Storm’s Impact
The effects of the storm extended far beyond Toronto. Hamilton recorded up to 17 centimeters of snow, while Ottawa saw around 12 centimeters, leading to widespread travel disruptions across Southern Ontario.
Due to slippery road conditions, Ontario Provincial Police responded to more than 200 traffic accidents in the Greater Toronto Area.
In response, the City of Toronto deployed salting and snow-clearing operations on major routes to manage the icy buildup. Salt brine treatments were prioritized to prevent further hazards on key city roads and intersections.
Cold Temperatures Follow Record Snowfall
The unseasonal storm came with a sharp drop in temperatures, keeping the city well below the seasonal average of 8°C. However, weather forecasts suggest that this early onset of winter will be short-lived. By Wednesday, November 12, milder temperatures are expected to return, easing the winter chill and melting much of the snow cover.
Meteorologists emphasize that while early snow events like this are rare, they can still occur as part of normal seasonal variability. Yet, the intensity of this storm has drawn attention from both residents and climate observers, raising questions about shifting weather patterns in the region.
Toronto’s Early Winter Surprise
For many residents, the unexpected snowstorm served as both a reminder and a preview of the long winter ahead. From sudden travel delays to beautiful snowy scenery, Toronto’s record-breaking early snowfall has already set the tone for a winter that promises to be anything but ordinary.
