The GTA gets an early taste of winter

The GTA is getting an early taste of winter, with a sub-zero wind chill Thursday morning and snow north of the city.

A special weather statement was issued by Environment Canada for parts of the GTA and beyond, including northern York and Durham regions, Newmarket, Huron-Perth and Barrie. That statement has since been lifted.

While you may have lamented having to get out that winter hat so early into fall, 680 NEWS meteorologist Jill Taylor said it’s not rare to get snow in October.

“In fact today and for the next four days in history there was measurable snow in October,” she explained.

“On Oct. 23, 1969, there was no new snow but already eight centimetres on the ground.”

Last year, the GTA didn’t get into the colder air, flurries and snow squalls until Nov. 9 and 10, according to Taylor.

But the taste of winter weather won’t last long — milder air is on the way.

“Looks like the next possible snow for this year and for Toronto will not occur until sometime in November,” Taylor said.