Eastern Canadians are asking: What’s with this crappy weather?

The weather in Toronto on Thursday evening was drizzly and misty, with low clouds obscuring the tops of tall buildings as people made their way home from work on Adelaide Street West. The streets were crowded with pedestrians carrying umbrellas, trying to navigate through the bustling sidewalks without bumping into other umbrella-holders. The temperature was a chilly 10 C, prompting people to wear an assortment of spring jackets or heavier coats to stay warm.

This unexpected weather in late May was not what most Torontonians were hoping for. The average temperature for this time of year is usually around 21 C, but the recent cold snap has left many residents wondering when summer will finally arrive. Last year on the same day, temperatures were nearly 30 C, highlighting the drastic difference in weather patterns.

According to David Phillips, a senior climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the current weather can be attributed to a cold low pressure system that is lingering over the Great Lakes region. This system is bringing down cold air from the north, resulting in overcast conditions, rain, and cooler temperatures across southern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

The recent shift in weather has left many Canadians feeling cheated and short-changed, especially after experiencing a brief period of warm and sunny weather the week before. Montreal, Halifax, and Fredericton have also seen similar fluctuations in temperature, leaving residents yearning for more stable and predictable weather patterns.

Despite the current gloomy conditions, ECCC is predicting a warmer-than-average summer across the country. While the weather may be dampening spirits and affecting businesses, there is optimism that the summer season will bring much-needed warmth and sunshine.

For Marcella Downy, a visit to the Down 2 Earth Garden Centre in Etobicoke was a welcome escape from the dreary weather. Despite the rain, she was eager to start planting and preparing her garden for the upcoming season. However, Paul Zammit, a professor at Niagara College, noted that the unpredictable weather is impacting retailers and wholesalers, causing a trickle effect on the economy.

C.J. Torriano, owner of Down 2 Earth, has been weathering the storm by taking extra precautions to protect his products and keep his business afloat. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that the sun will soon make an appearance and boost sales.

As for David Phillips, he remains optimistic that the current weather patterns are just a temporary blip and that warmer weather will soon return. In his “fearless forecast,” he predicts that in a few weeks, Torontonians and Montrealers will be complaining about the heat and humidity, a stark contrast to the cool and rainy conditions they are currently experiencing.