This winter has been extraordinary for regions across North America, with significant snowfall recorded in various locations. One key event is the remarkable accumulation of snow in Canada and parts of the northeastern United States.
Exceptional Winter: 500 cm of Snow Blankets Our Region
Toronto has experienced one of its snowiest winters on record. With approximately 190 cm of snowfall, the city is nearing the averages typically seen in Montreal. This makes it the fourth snowiest winter recorded for Toronto. There remains a slight chance that the historic record of 206.7 cm, set during the winter of 1938-1939, could still be surpassed.
Record Snowfall Events
- January 25 Snowstorm: A significant winter storm deposited 46.2 cm of snow at Pearson Airport, setting a daily record.
- In downtown Toronto, snowfall reached 56 cm on the same day.
- Scarborough recorded an impressive 62 cm of snow with only 16 mm of water equivalent, leading to a remarkable snow-to-water ratio of 39:1.
Unusual Weather Patterns
This winter’s weather has not only impacted Canada but also surprised meteorologists in the United States. An AccuWeather analysis highlighted a unique pattern for the 2025-2026 season: the eastern regions received significantly more snow than the western areas. Areas around the Great Lakes and the northeastern U.S. have recorded snow accumulations exceeding 750 cm in some places.
Storm Impact
- February 22-24 Storm: Known as the “storm of the century”, this event brought 50 cm of snow to Central Park in Manhattan.
- Islip, located less than 50 km away, received 79 cm of snow.
- The Rhode Island Airport saw the highest total with 96 cm.
- This storm, combined with strong winds, resulted in over 650,000 power outages and nearly 10,000 flight cancellations.
Contrast with Western Regions
While the eastern parts of North America faced heavy snowfall, regions in the west experienced much milder conditions. Salt Lake City, which typically averages 120 cm of snowfall, only recorded 7.5 cm by March 20 of this winter. This contrast was evident, as some ski centers known for their heavy snowfall received less than several locations in the northeast.
- Alta ski resort received 660 cm of snow.
- Jay Peak in Vermont recorded 880 cm.
- Many California ski resorts remained closed throughout the season.
This winter’s combination of persistent cold air and moisture from the Great Lakes has led to repeated snowfall events, particularly affecting the eastern United States. As both regions adapt to this unusual winter pattern, the impact on local ecosystems and communities will be closely monitored.
