Why We Transition from Cold to Brutally Cold in Mid to Late January
Discover why southern Ontario faces its coldest days in January, with temperatures plummeting and Arctic air settling in.
Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Southern Ontario, January, Cold Weather
Toronto: Winter is here, and we all know it can get pretty chilly. But have you ever wondered when southern Ontario really hits its coldest days? Well, it’s usually between January 15th and 21st. That’s when cities like Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa see their lowest average temperatures.
During this time, Toronto typically has highs around -2°C and lows that can drop to -11°C. Brr! It’s definitely the coldest stretch of the year.
So, why does it get so cold in mid to late January? Even though the shortest day of the year is in late December, we experience a bit of a delay in the cold. This is due to something called seasonal lag. Basically, the land and big bodies of water, like the Great Lakes, hold onto heat from the warmer months and release it slowly, which means winter’s chill takes a little longer to kick in.
Plus, with shorter daylight hours, more heat escapes at night than what we gain during the day. This just stretches out the cold even more. By the time we hit mid to late January, Arctic air masses settle in, pushing those frigid temperatures further south and making it feel even colder.
So, when those coldest days roll around, make sure to bundle up! Whether it’s the usual winter chill or an unexpected warm spell, you’ll want to be prepared.