Toronto weather warning today: umbrellas are up, jackets are zipped, and patience is running thin. What started as just another drizzly day has evolved into a full-blown rainfall warning from Environment Canada, marking a chilly, wet climax to a week of what meteorologists are calling “May misery.”
By early Thursday afternoon, nearly 35 millimetres of rain had already poured down across parts of the city — and more is on the way. Environment Canada now predicts an additional 20 millimetres, particularly in areas east of the Don Valley Parkway, before the deluge begins to slow later this evening.
Toronto’s unusually low late May temperatures not seen since 1967: meteorologist
Flash Flood Risks and Road Hazards
With up to 60mm of rain expected in total by the end of the day, the rainfall warning includes serious safety alerts.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts,” the agency warned.
This isn’t just a soggy inconvenience. Commuters are facing hydroplaning risks, and neighborhoods in low-lying zones may see rising water levels. The situation has caused many to wonder if this is still May — or a misplaced stretch of early November.
Record-Cold May 22: A Snapshot in Contrast
If it feels unusually cold, you’re not imagining it. Today marks Toronto’s coldest May 22 in nearly two decades, with daytime highs struggling to reach 11°C.
For comparison, last year on the same date, the city basked in 30°C heat. That’s a jaw-dropping swing of nearly 20 degrees.
According to David Phillips, senior climatologist at Environment Canada, the pattern isn’t just unseasonal — it’s downright baffling.
“It is warmer in the Northwest Territories than it is in Toronto. I mean, come on,” Phillips quipped in an interview. “It’s jacket and sweater weather — together.”
Why Is Toronto Stuck in a Cold, Wet Pattern?
Phillips attributes the soggy stretch to a stalled low-pressure system lingering just south of Ontario. It’s not dangerous — just incredibly persistent.
“This low has worn out its welcome. It’s stalled and just inching along,” said Phillips. “We’ve had rain for about 23 of the last 24 hours.”
The system has locked Toronto into a gloomy cycle: clouds, rain, wind, repeat — with barely any breaks or dry patches in between. The result? A city that feels stuck in time, yearning for sunshine, or even just a day without drizzle.
What’s Next for Toronto Weather?
The rainfall warning may ease tonight, but don’t expect blue skies immediately. Friday’s forecast includes 10–15mm of rain and a slightly improved high of 12°C.
Saturday will offer a glimmer of hope, with a high of 15°C and only a 30% chance of showers. It’s not quite patio weather, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Relief is finally on the horizon for Sunday and Monday, when the sun returns and temperatures climb closer to the seasonal average of 18°C. According to Phillips, those longing for warmer, more typical spring weather may only need to wait a little longer.
“Here’s my forecast,” he said. “Two weeks from now, Torontonians will be complaining about the heat and humidity.”
Toronto rainfall warning: Heavy rainfall could flood streets today, here’s when it ends
Toronto Bubble Zone: When Will the Sun Break Through?
Some residents have jokingly described Toronto’s current weather as being caught in a “bubble zone” — a strange microclimate of constant grey, endless drizzle, and bone-chilling winds. But meteorologists assure us it’s not some magical curse — it’s just a persistent atmospheric setup.
Still, the psychological effects are real. With outdoor plans on hold and long weekends looking bleak, many are reporting classic symptoms of weather fatigue: sluggishness, frustration, and a strong desire to book a last-minute vacation to literally anywhere sunny.
Snowfall Warning in May? Not This Time
As bad as it feels, Toronto has avoided one May trend: snowfall. While it’s not uncommon for the city to see brief flurries in May — about a third of past Mays have reported snow — this year has at least spared residents that extra misery.
“We haven’t even had a frost day this month,” Phillips noted. “But we are just stuck in the middle with the same monotonous kind of weather, day after day.”
So yes, while the rain and chill are frustrating, at least you’re not brushing snow off your car — for now.
Final Outlook: Waiting for the Switch to Flip
For now, all eyes are on the skies — and on the calendar. While today’s Toronto weather warning signals immediate concerns like flash flooding and traffic slowdowns, the larger issue remains how long this soggy stretch will last.
Experts say it may only be a matter of days before the weather begins to normalize. June could usher in not just better conditions, but even a warmer-than-normal summer, according to forecasts.
Until then, Torontonians will need to keep umbrellas handy, layer up with jackets and sweaters, and find creative ways to weather the storm — literally.
