K-W breaks 99-year-old temperature record
The temperature in Kitchener-Waterloo smashed records Friday.
Previously, the hottest Feb. 9 ever on record was in 1925, according to Environment Canada. On that day, 99 years ago, the mercury reached 11.1 C.
By 11:15 a.m. on Friday, it was 12 C in Kitchener.
Peter Kimbell, a warning preparedness meteorologist for Environment Canada, says this kind of heat is unusual but not unheard of for February.
“We don’t expect to be going outside in a T-shirt and sweater in early February when it should be - 3 C,” Kimbell says, referencing the average temperature for this time of year. “But is it something that’s never happened before? No, not at all.”
The all-time record high for any day in February is 16 C, set on Feb. 23, 2017.
The current balmy conditions can be attributed to a low pressure system over northwestern Ontario.
“That’s sucking a lot of warm air eastward across southern Ontario, so much of southern Ontario is in that warm air mass,” Kimbell explains.
A long-term trend toward warmer winter temperatures due to climate change plays a part as well.
Saturday could also break the daily record of 10.6 C, set in 1965.
On Sunday, more seasonal temperatures are expected to return as winds shift to the northwest, bringing cooler air back to the area.
By the end of next week, we could see below-seasonal temperatures on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Kimbell says.
“Winter’s not over yet,” he adds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.