Toronto sees first snowfall of the season
Light snow delighted residents but caused travel warnings
Toronto experienced its first measurable snowfall of the season, blanketing streets, rooftops and landmarks in a thin layer of white that drew residents and visitors outdoors to photograph and play. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement early in the morning warning of difficult winter driving and possible transit delays, forecasting 5–10 centimetres of snow in parts of the Greater Toronto Area as a cold front moved through. Flurries began before dawn and continued intermittently through the morning, leaving only a light accumulation downtown while suburban areas such as Vaughan and Mississauga saw slightly heavier amounts.
The sight of the CN Tower, Nathan Phillips Square and tree-lined avenues dusted with snow prompted delight across the city. Social media filled with images of glistening branches, joggers pausing to capture the skyline and children playing in small snow piles at neighbourhood parks. Some residents described the scene as quietly beautiful, noting how the early snowfall transformed familiar autumn streets into a brief winter tableau. Local cafés and storefronts framed the soft white backdrop as people stepped outside to enjoy the unexpected seasonal change.
Officials urged caution amid the picturesque scenes. Transit and public-works departments warned of slippery roads and sidewalks as temperatures hovered near freezing. The Toronto Transit Commission advised commuters to expect minor delays while crews treated bridges and major intersections, and road teams were dispatched to manage slick spots. With the first flakes signaling a shift in conditions, authorities recommended that drivers and pedestrians remain alert to sudden changes.
The arrival of snow also prompted practical preparations. Tire shops reported a spike in customers booking winter-tire installations, and retailers saw increased interest in cold-weather clothing and accessories as residents readied themselves for colder days. Meteorologists said the early snowfall may melt within a few days if temperatures moderate, but they cautioned that another cold front could bring further flurries later in the week. While measurable snow in early November is not unheard of in Toronto, accumulation of this kind remains relatively uncommon this early in the season and serves as a reminder to prepare for winter.
