Brace yourselves, Toronto! This New Year’s Eve is shaping up to be one of the coldest in recent memory, and it’s not just the fireworks that will leave you shivering. But here’s where it gets even chillier—Environment Canada warns that while the high on December 31 is expected to reach -3°C, the wind chill will make it feel more like a bone-chilling -13°C during the day. And this is the part most people miss: by midnight, when the clock strikes twelve, temperatures will plunge to around -11°C, but it’ll feel closer to -18°C. Yes, you read that right—celebrating outdoors? Bundle up like it’s the Arctic, as CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter advises.
If you think the cold ends with 2020, think again. New Year’s Day is set to be even harsher, with a high of -6°C feeling more like -26°C in the morning and -12°C in the afternoon. And here’s the controversial part: while some might see this as a reason to stay indoors, others argue it’s the perfect excuse to embrace winter traditions—hot cocoa, anyone? But let’s be real, this isn’t just about fun and games. The City of Toronto has taken action, opening two additional warming centres at the Cecil Community Centre and Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. These join the five already operational centres to provide relief during this frigid snap.
For those braving the elements, there’s a chance of flurries on December 31, along with a risk of snow squalls in the afternoon. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With climate change often associated with warming, does this extreme cold contradict the narrative? Or is it a reminder of how unpredictable weather patterns have become? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Either way, whether you’re indoors or out, stay safe, stay warm, and here’s to a (hopefully warmer) 2021! For the full forecast, visit our weather hub: https://www.cp24.com/weather/ or find more details on warming centres here: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/toronto-warming-centres/.
