Proximity to water: Toronto is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, which has a significant impact on the city's climate. The lake moderates the city's climate, cooling it in the summer and warming it in the winter.
Elevation: Toronto is located at an elevation of 76 metres (250 feet) above sea level. This means that it is not affected by the cold air masses that can come down from the Arctic in the winter.
Prevailing winds: The prevailing winds in Toronto are from the southwest. These winds bring warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Urban heat island effect: The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon that occurs when the temperature of a city is significantly higher than the temperature of the surrounding rural areas. This effect is caused by the presence of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, which absorb and release heat.
Climate change: Climate change is causing the average temperature in Toronto to increase. This is expected to lead to more extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods.