Christmas is still one month away, but today city residents got an early gift in the form of sunny skies and record-breaking heat.
Friday afternoon the temperature at Toronto Pearson International Airport hit 16.3 C, eclipsing a 10-year-old record for Nov. 25.
The average temperature on Nov. 25 is 5 C.
"It is almost as if nature is giving us an atmospheric gift," Environment Canada Climatologist David Phillips told CP24. "It's just amazing. It doesn't feel or look like winter at all."
Phillips said today's record-breaking conditions are part of a nationwide phenomenon that's brought double-digit temperatures to residents living in Saskatchewan, Alberta and throughout Ontario.
"There is no place I would rather be right now than in Toronto," he said.
Double-digit temperatures are expected for Saturday and Sunday as well, and tonight's predicted low of 8 C is above the average seasonal high.
Going forth, Phillips said he sees the hot conditions continuing through December.
Another record is also in sight, if the city doesn't see its first snowfall until December.
"Our models are showing that you can expect more of the same," he said. "Not record warmth, but certainly warmer than normal."
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