On the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving last year, Maria Sarmiento visited Port Stanley beach but was deterred by the cold weather. The brisk winds off Lake Erie, common for October, made it uncomfortable for a leisurely stroll along the shore. This year, however, Sarmiento and her family enjoyed the beach in swimsuits, basking in the summer-like heat that had replaced the chilly conditions of the previous year.
The unseasonably warm fall weather pushed temperatures into the high 20s on Friday, with the heat expected to persist through Monday. This unusual warmth is attributed to a high-pressure system over the U.S. eastern seaboard, bringing warm air northward. Despite the higher temperatures than usual for this time of year, setting new temperature records over the weekend is unlikely.
The beach was bustling with visitors on Friday, lounging on beach blankets and soaking up the sun. Pauline Cormier, Melissa Sparling, and Rachelle Howie, colleagues from a local care home, took the day off to enjoy the sunshine. Sparling expressed delight in the pleasant weather, noting the absence of high humidity and the refreshing breeze.
Local resident Gary Curtis, accompanied by his dog Muddy, enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the shore, appreciating the picturesque setting of Port Stanley Beach. Curtis likened the beach to the “Ontario Riviera,” emphasizing its significance as a happy place for him.
Businesses in the area also benefited from the warm weather, with Shaw’s Ice Cream and DeBackere Farm Market experiencing increased customer traffic due to the extended warm season. While some produce may be affected by the heat, overall, the businesses reported positive effects on sales and customer engagement.
Although temperatures are expected to cool down by the middle of the week, Monday’s forecast still indicates high 20s temperatures. The weather is projected to return to normal by Wednesday and Thursday.