Filled with fascinating facts about the most extreme and curious weather stories in Ontario's history. This looks at the highs and lows of Ontario weather and gives an entertaining and informative journey through the environmental factors that make Ontario weather anything but boring: January 2006 brought some of the warmest temperatures ever recorded in the province with temperatures in the double digits. Ontario joggers were out in their shorts, and some people in the southern areas traded snowboots for umbrellas. The 1998 Québec ice storm affected many Ontarians too, striking 57 communities and downing 300 transmission towers. In 1829, a tornado nearly destroyed the tiny town of Guelph, but the community rebuilt and Guelph is now a thriving city. In just one hour, the temperature in Sarnia, Ontario, dropped 17 degrees from 22°C to 5°C on March 31, 1998. Hurricane Hazel pounded Ontario in 1954, killing 81 people, 35 on one street alone, and leaving thousands homeless. In the late 1800s, weather forecasts came by way of train. Large metal discs indicating the coming weather conditions were attached to the sides of the engine or the baggage cars, and people could check the forecast as the train went by. Check out these wild weather facts and stories and so many more.

Born in Simcoe, Ontario, to a family of food processors, A. H. JACKSON has always been fascinated by the skies above our heads. He flew his first plane at 14 and left home at 17 to continue his atmospheric exploration. Jackson believes that, in the twine of life, there are two special genes unique to humankind—hope and humour—and thinks we should all turn to the funny side of life in the face of adversity. He must have quite the sense of humour, then, since he’s been struck by lightning five times! Alan has co-authored a mystery—Pretty Maids all in a Row—and has several adventure books for young adults in the wings.

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