Windsor residents might experience a mild fall followed by an unusually warm and relatively snow-free winter, according to Environment Canada senior climatologist Dave Phillips.
Phillips mentioned that the fall forecast shows above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation across Windsor and much of Ontario.
“There’s a lot to like about a fall,” Phillips told Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge.
He pointed out that Windsor has historically been one of the best places in Canada for pleasant fall weather, featuring a later first frost, sunny days, and longer stretches of comfortable temperatures.
“It’s the colour change season and that looks pretty positive this year in Ontario,” he said.
LISTEN | What kind of weather can we expect for the season:
Windsor Morning8:17As fall 2026 starts today, what kind of weather can we expect for the season?
This is the first day of fall. What can we expect weather-wise over the coming season? Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge spoke to Dave Phillips from Environment Canada about the forecast.
The forecast follows what Phillips called an unusually uneventful summer in Windsor.
He noted that summer temperatures and precipitation were close to normal, as was the count of hot days.
However, he anticipates changes as fall moves forward. Residents should prepare for cooler nights, with temperatures dropping below 10 C on some occasions, while the first frost will likely hold off until later in the season.
Phillips indicated that snowfall isn’t expected until late November.
The bigger story may come during winter.
‘The polar vortex doesn’t go away’
Phillips attributed a strong El Niño pattern as a key factor behind predictions for a warmer-than-average winter.
“This is the Godzilla of El Niños, the strongest one we’ve ever seen in likely 1,000 years,” Phillips said.
He warned that just because El Niño is present doesn’t mean Windsor will be entirely free from winter conditions.
“The polar vortex doesn’t go away,” he said. “There’ll be some times that you’ll be maybe shoveling.”
But Phillips expects any snow that does accumulate will melt quickly, leaving residents seeing “more brown and green than snow” throughout most of winter.
Walks in parks may increase as leaves change colours in Windsor. Take a listen to some people enjoying their vibrant surroundings during their walk in Ojibway Park.
He compared this upcoming winter to 2023-24 when Windsor saw temperatures more than 4 C above normal along with only about one-third of typical snowfall.
Phillips explained that usually there’s an even amount of rain and snow during December through February; however, last winter brought around five times more rain than snow.
He suggested this coming winter could follow a similar trend where snowy conditions might wrap up by late February.
“I’m never cancelling winters, even in Windsor,” Phillips remarked. “But my gosh, this might be very well the first one.”.. Phillips also mentioned that having a mild low-snow winter could have downsides; agriculture could suffer since snow provides moisture needed for spring growth.
For many folks though, advantages might include lower heating bills, easier travel conditions, and fewer incidents related to winter weather.
“So those who aren’t big fans of winter I think will find enjoyment this time around,”Phillips stated about those not fond of cold weather.
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