Warming up for a soggy New Year’s
Revellers at Nathan Phillips Square Friday night will have to watch out for rain — not cold — as they wait to ring in the new year. Rick Madonik/Toronto Star.
Planning a romantic New Year’s Eve cuddled by a flickering fire? Better opt for the DVD version.
The forecast for Friday night is a rather May-like 9C.
Adorable. But it’s going to rain, so good luck with that.
Don’t blame us. If you’re looking for the messenger, his name is Dave Phillips.
“It’s going to be raining and it’s going to be wet,” said the Environment Canada climatologist, likening Toronto’s weather to a yo-yo.
“It will be melting above you and below you,” he said. “A lot of splashing of pedestrians and revellers.”
On New Year’s Day, the high will be 8C, which is about 10 degrees above average for this time of year.
“It could be that Toronto will be the warmest place in Canada this New Year’s,” Phillips said. However, the city’s record high for a New Year’s Day — 9.2C in 2007— is likely to remain unchallenged.
And don’t get too comfortable. On Sunday, the temperature will drop back down to a high of -4C. A flash freeze will replace the slush, setting a slippery precedent for the unpredictable wintry days that lie ahead.
In sum, it’s best to just stay in bed this weekend. But if you still feel the urge to celebrate, here are some suggestions:
Have a house full of party animals? Take your kids to the Toronto Zoo to celebrate with reindeer, gorillas . . . and a singing, dancing Justin Bieber impersonator. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. with an early countdown. Tickets are $15 for parents, $10 for kids and seniors. Parking is free.
Closer to midnight, Citytv hosts its 26th annual New Year’s Eve Bash at Nathan Phillips Square. The free-for-all outdoor concert begins at 10 p.m. and features a roundup of award-winning musicians. Couch celebrators can tune into the live TV broadcast or stream it online.
On New Year’s Day, Lieutenant Governor David Onley hosts a levee at Fort York National Historic Site from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the whole city is invited to make merry at a levee with Mayor Rob Ford and councillors in the City Hall rotunda.
— Dan Robson Staff Reporter, with files from Amy Dempsey
Warming up for a soggy New Year’s
The New Year will kick off in spring-like fashion in Toronto.
Planning a romantic New Year’s Eve cuddled by a flickering fire? Better opt for the DVD version.
The forecast for Friday night is a rather May-like 9C.
“Fine,” you say, “we’ll embrace the warmth outside, hand-in-hand, as fireworks kiss the moonlit sky.”
Adorable. But it’s going to rain, so good luck with that.
Don’t blame us. If you’re looking for the messenger, his name is Dave Phillips.
“It’s going to be raining and it’s going to be wet,” said the Environment Canada climatologist, likening Toronto’s weather to a yo-yo.
“It will be melting above you and below you,” he said. “A lot of splashing of pedestrians and revellers.”
On New Year’s Day, the high will be 8C, which is about 10 degrees above average for this time of year.
“It could be that Toronto will be the warmest place in Canada this New Year’s,” Phillips said. However, the city’s record high for a New Year’s Day — 9.2C in 2007— is likely to remain unchallenged.
And don’t get too comfortable. On Sunday, the temperature will drop back down to a high of -4C. A flash freeze will replace the slush, setting a slippery precedent for the unpredictable wintry days that lie ahead.
In sum, it’s best to just stay in bed this weekend. But if you still feel the urge to celebrate, here are some suggestions:
Have a house full of party animals? Take your kids to the Toronto Zoo to celebrate with reindeer, gorillas . . . and a singing, dancing Justin Bieber impersonator. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. with an early countdown. Tickets are $15 for parents, $10 for kids and seniors. Parking is free.
Closer to midnight, Citytv hosts its 26th annual New Year’s Eve Bash at Nathan Phillips Square. The free-for-all outdoor concert begins at 10 p.m. and features a roundup of award-winning musicians. Couch celebrators can tune into the live TV broadcast or stream it online.
On New Year’s Day, Lieutenant Governor David Onley hosts a levee at Fort York National Historic Site from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the whole city is invited to make merry at a levee with Mayor Rob Ford and councillors in the City Hall rotunda.
With files from Amy Dempsey
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