Following a period of sunshine and warm temperatures, a significant weather shift is anticipated in Toronto as a cold front approaches. On Thursday morning, the city is expected to receive between 10 to 20 millimeters of rain as heavy precipitation and the possibility of thunderstorms take over the region.

Commuters are advised to prepare for slower travel times due to both the inclement weather and increased traffic, particularly with students returning to school. The rain is predicted to taper off by Thursday evening, but residents should brace themselves for a noticeable drop in temperatures compared to the previous days.

On Thursday, temperatures are forecasted to peak at approximately 19°C shortly after midnight, with a steady decline throughout the day. Morning temperatures are expected to start at around 17°C, dropping to about 16°C in the afternoon, which is notably lower than the seasonal average of 23°C for this time of year.

In addition to the rain, strong winds are expected to sweep through the area on Friday, bringing gusts between 50 to 70 kilometers per hour. Parents and students are encouraged to dress in layers and keep umbrellas within reach, particularly during morning commutes and afternoon pickups.

Looking ahead, the first weekend of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) promises partly cloudy but cool weather. Saturday is expected to reach a high of 19°C, while Sunday’s temperature is anticipated to be around 18°C.

A Look at Historical Norms for September

September in Toronto is characterized by a transitional climate, moving from the warmth of summer to the cooler temperatures of autumn. Historically, the city experiences average highs of 22°C and lows around 15°C, with roughly five to eight rainy days expected throughout the month.

In recent years, early September has often recorded warmer than average temperatures. For instance, September 2022 had an average daytime high of 22°C and a nighttime low of 17°C. September 2023 reported even higher average highs at 23.4°C. In comparison, the warmest September on record was in 2002, featuring an impressive average high of 25.5°C.

For those seeking to stay informed about the weather and forecasts, opportunities are available to sign up for the CityNews Weather Guarantee, which provides extended weather forecasts and updates.

-With files from CityNews’ Lucas Casaletto