City
Toronto Escapes November Without Snowfall, But It Won't Be Long Now...
Toronto has just experienced its first snow-free November in 162 years. Although it was initially reported that such a happening could only be confirmed as far back as 1937, David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada, revealed yesterday that the records of a University of Toronto weather station chart a much longer interval. This will, no doubt, spark speculation about global warming and the causes of our unnaturally warm and dry weather, but the fact that this is an anomaly should probably mute any serious discussion of such a nature.
Besides, I'm sure most of us are ecstatic to have made it this long without snow and wouldn't mind it if this mild weather kept right up. But, perhaps incredibly, I'm already starting to miss the white stuff. This is likely a manifestation of selective amnesia, but regardless, there I was yesterday cruising blogTO's Flickr pool for photos of our city consumed by snow. Call it cruel, but after coming across some excellent work, I thought it'd be nice to share what we've been missing.
It would seem that the eight months since the last snowfall have fashioned me with a set of rose-coloured glasses through which winter looks only benign and pretty. One of the reasons for this, I would imagine, is the representational nature of memory. My pre-winter conception of snow is based as much on images like these as it is on actual experience.
But, any self-delusion aside, there really is a sublimity to a city drenched in snow. Even the most perfunctory scenes and familiar objects take on an unusual vibrancy.
Or, on the other hand, a certain stillness. Freshly fallen snow is somehow tantalizing and calming at once.
Unfortunately these idealistic memories quickly fade. After a little while, a measure of reality inevitably sets in and some of winter's other "gifts" float to the surface. Snow shoveling, traffic jams, wind-burned faces -- they all return too soon.
Still, despite all the hassle, there's something captivating about snow, isn't there? It's tough to put a finger on, but something about it still appeals to me despite all the headaches associated with it.
It is, after all, just so damn pretty.
Thanks to all the great photographers featured above. Photos, in order, by the following members of the blogTO Flickr pool: wvs, ~EvidenceE~, William Self, JdeB, scott3eh, bigdaddyhame, Lone Primate, archoneus, Squeakyrat, Still The Oldie.
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Noooooooooooooo!
bring it!!
This is just mean. It's been sort of easy to pretend this isn't coming. I'd like one good snow before Christmas, but I'm happy if we stay snow-free till the 24th!
You pretty much captured exactly how I feel about Toronto and snow. The commuter in me hopes it never snows again, but I love freshly fallen snow. The eternal dilemma of big city Canadians.
This weather is freaking me out. It better snow soon. I've had a deeply unsettled feeling for the past couple weeks now every time I go out in the morning and see my gardens are still green and that I've over-dressed for the bike ride to work.
i will punch the snow.
that's bad for the economy.. i am sure TTC will use this as an excuse of losing money and ask for another increase
Unfortunately I imagine that less snow overall just won't be the case this year. My two scenarios (neither of which appeal to the 'walk everywhere' guy in me, are as such:
1) snow with interest.
- it was supposed to snow some time ago, however given that it hasn't, snow interest has compounded and the first (of many) snowfalls of the season will remind us that it has been building up over a while.
2) winter until june.
- self explanatory.
Really? I seem to recall having snow free Novembers in the past -- of course I may be mistaking "a light dusting" that melts a day or so later with "no snow in November" but it seems serious accumulation doesn't hit us until December or January.
I see winter as an not-fun little game called "how many times can James slip and fall?"
Bonus points if I do it while dressed up or in front of a lot of people.
I like the snow...looking at it, that is. I don't like to shovel (probably why I'm living in a condo!)
Im so glad Al Gore invented global warming!
To hell with snow.
I have high hopes that the warm temperatures will mean that, once it does snow, we will get tons of it. Fingers crossed!
Nice selection of photos -- thanks.
Love winter! Look on the bright side: the warmer the climate, the bigger the insects...
This is amazing...it my first winter in Toronto...I kind of look forward to swimming in the huge snow..
Global warming is Al Gore's best invention since the Internet!
Retch.
Wasnt really any snow that November. no snow after feb 18 this year either.
I love snow! So beautiful when it first falls...the city becomes so quiet and otherworldly. I can't wait!!
Snow reminds me of a few people I've dated in the past. On the surface, it's quite beautiful, but once you have to actually deal with it, it quickly becomes apparent that it's evil.
This has lulled me into a false sense of complacency. When the snow finally comes, I may cry.
well said J-rock.
The snow can stay away thanks. *wishful thinking*
As a matter of fact, we did not just have a snow-free November. It snowed yesterday - November 30th - at about 3:00 p.m. where I was (Bloor and Dufferin). It didn't snow much, and it didn't snow hard, but it snowed. Sorry, no record.
LOVE-IT!
Snow is good until you have to drive in it. While those pictures even make me miss snow, that first snowfall is absolute hell to drive through and it never gets any easier. I'm hoping for a green christmas!
The real problem is that the lakes are too warm. Should we get a winter cold blast, the winds will blow over the warm lakes picking up a lot of moisture. As the moisture laded winds come over the now colder land, it will drop as snow. Hence, snow squalls or a more intense snow storm.
ugh.
I think I just got hives.
>This is likely a manifestation of selective amnesia
Ha, I was just thinking the same thing. Well said.
oh man these pictures does not make me want to leave my house =/ the freezing air through our faces, toes and getting sick is not worth it!
What counts as a snowfall? Because I saw snow on November 5th about 3PM. It didn't last long, and certainly didn't stick, but it was snow.
Looking at those pictures made me shed a couple tears. But a part of me, a very very small part wants the snow to arrive. The faster it comes and goes the better for all concerned. If it were to never come though, I would not be disappointed.
i miss it! it's december already!
i heard on that radio that snow records are done at pearson - so if it doesn't snow at pearson, it never happened. that's why the records are wonky
If only snow can look that pretty all the time. Maybe you should include some photos 10 hours after the initial snowfall to remind everyone of the brown slush that causes Lake Superior sized puddles at every intersection. That's the winter I know and remember.
it's very cool!
in Moscow no snow, only grey colour:(