Short answer how much snow in Toronto: Toronto receives an average of 133.6 cm (52.6 in) of snowfall per year, with the most snowfall occurring in January and February. However, actual amounts vary from year to year.
How to Measure Snowfall in Toronto: Step-by-Step Guide
As the temperatures start to drop and the festive season approaches, snowfall in Toronto becomes a common sight. However, as pretty as it may look, measuring snowfall can be a tricky task if you are not equipped with the right tools and knowledge. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through how to accurately measure snowfall in Toronto like a pro.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot
The first step in measuring snowfall is choosing the correct spot. Pick an open, flat area that is away from trees or buildings which may obstruct your measurements or affect the accumulation and melting of snow.
Step 2: Prepare Your Tools
Before heading out to measure snowfall, make sure you have all the necessary equipment at hand. You will need a measuring tape or ruler that goes up to at least 12 inches due to heavy snowfalls. Moreover, a sheet of white paper or cardboard helps measure small amounts of snowflake that falls below 1in. If you want to take it up another notch for accuracy, there’s also an option for commercial-grade high-tech alternatives like laser distance devices used by professionals (Consulting an expert recommended).
Step 3: Measure Snow Depth
Measurements should be taken every six hours during each day of falling precipitation and once after precipitation stops.
You will begin measuring at the highest point where fresh snow has accumulated after sweeping any excess snow aside. Place your ruler vertically into this elevated position and press lightly downward until firm resistance.
Hold your measuring instrument vertically straight down from your initial maximum reading point but be mindful not to compresses underlying layers while doing so achieve accurate readings. Record this measurement often in inches or centimeters,(depending on your tool setup)
Step 4: Repeat Process Multiple Times
If it keeps on falling steadily with no break for long intervals(such as overnight), collect data multiple times while focusing between time gaps between temperature fluctuation (This can cause melting or freezing). Take steps 2 and 3 again, select different location and record your findings. By replicating measurements three times or more, you can be sure of an accurate average after averaging numbers.
Furthermore, it is best to take measurements yourself instead of relying on reports in instances where weighing instruments have been used that measure water content as well as snow weight since the report won’t break down this process for you.
Step 5: Notes
Lastly, put down any notes about the weather condition throughout the day and night at specific time intervals for future reference(foggy surface could create wrong measurements etc.). A report alone may show very little reliable data , thus making note-taking important.
In conclusion, measuring snowfall isn’t complex if crossed over with diligence hence not letting weather mislead us including readings because of obstacles around us coupled with a basic understanding of tools and methods required helps to achieve accuracy in readings. Follow these simple step-by-step procedures, and you’ll find yourself measuring like a pro while enjoying the beauty of Toronto snowfalls!
Frequently Asked Questions About Snow in Toronto Answered
As winter settles in and the temperatures begin to drop, snowfall becomes an increasingly common occurrence in Toronto. For those who are new to the city or have never experienced a Canadian winter before, it’s natural to have a variety of questions about this phenomenon. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about snow in Toronto, answered!
Q: How much snow can I expect in Toronto each year?
A: According to Environment Canada, Toronto typically receives an average of 133cm of snow per year. However, this can vary widely from season to season, with some years experiencing above-average snowfall and others seeing relatively little accumulation.
Q: When does the first snow usually fall in Toronto?
A: The timing of the first significant snowfall can also vary from year to year, but on average, Torontonians can expect their first taste of winter precipitation sometime around mid-November.
Q: What’s up with all those yellow trucks I see driving around after it snows?
A: Those are plow trucks! After a significant snowfall, city employees take to the streets with these large vehicles equipped with plows and salt spreaders to clear roads and ensure they’re safe for drivers and pedestrians alike. It’s essential to keep roads clear during wintertime as ice or slush accumulation can cause accidents on the road.
Q: Why do sidewalks sometimes take longer than roads to be cleared after it has snowed?
A: In many areas of the city, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 12 hours following a storm. This means that if you see uncleared sidewalks hours after a storm ends; it may only because no one nearby is available or willing/can’t clear out their area timely.
Q: Can I still go outside when there’s lots of heavy snowfall?
A: Absolutely! While it’s always important to dress appropriately and take precautions when navigating snowy or icy conditions, there’s no need to stay cooped up inside all winter long. Snow can be a beautiful thing to experience, get your scarves, hats and mittens ready for some snowball fights and winter sports.
Q: How do I prepare my home for the winter season?
A: Prepping your Toronto home for winter is an important task, especially if you’re going away during the cold months. Some tasks on a homeowner’s checklist include draining outdoor hoses and pipes that aren’t in use so they don’t freeze; insulating drafty areas of the home like windows or doors using caulk or weatherstripping; cleaning out gutters to prevent ice dams from forming; making sure walkways are well-lit and cleared of snow/icebuildup etc.” The list goes can further depending upon household needs.
Overall, understanding how snow impacts Toronto is crucial knowledge you should have to better adapt to living within this wintery city. You’ll be well equipped with information that not only helps keep yourself safe but
Comparing Winter Snow Accumulation in Toronto Over the Years
As winter rolled around this year, many Torontonians stared out their windows, wondering when the snow would begin to accumulate. Some may have even been curious about how much snow they could expect compared to previous years. Delving deep into historical weather data, it’s possible to see just how much snow has accumulated in Toronto – and whether or not we’ve had more or less than usual.
Toronto’s climate fluctuates so wildly that one year, there might be barely any accumulation while another year delivers a full-on “Snowmaggedon.” However, on average both heavy snowfalls of more than 10 cm and light ones of less than 5 cm are frequent occurrences during the winter season.
Taking a look back over some recent winters is enough proof of Toronto’s unpredictable weather patterns. In the winter of 2015/16, we were caught off guard when over sixty centimetres of snow fell within three days – sending our city crawling onto its hands and knees!
On the other hand, locals had nothing but joy to share during Great White Christmas (2017) as almost thirty-eight centimetres of snow landed from December 22nd through December 26th. It was truly a Winter Wonderland! The following year (2018), there was barely any indication that it was even winter as only eight-ten centimetres dusted the city through January and February.
To get technical for just a moment: As per Environment Canada data, Toronto on an average typically receives approximately seventy-four centimeters (~28″) worth of snowfall during the Dec-Mar season which then translates into twelve inches monthly-wise except February with eleven inches because apparently “less is more” when it comes to deceptively tricky February (although still challenging at times).
However, some years offer significantly more precipitation by way-of-snowfall versus others: for example; in 2008 overall weighty amounts were measured about ninety-eight centimeters and in contrast, 2010 was mild with only 111 centimetres (44″). Toronto weather seems to thrive on the element of surprise!
In conclusion, before you whip out that shovel or press snooze for another five minutes every morning while hoping for colder temperatures to arrive; take a glance “back” in time. Doing so might just make you appreciate Toronto’s transient yet memorable Winter season even more.