During which part of the year are gales most likely to occur on Lake Ontario?

Gales are most likely to occur on Lake Ontario during the period from October to December. This timeframe corresponds to the transition from summer to winter, when atmospheric conditions can be quite unstable. The combination of cooler air temperatures settling in as summer ends and the warmer waters of the lake creates significant temperature differentials. This contrast can lead to the development of strong winds and gales, particularly as cold fronts move through the region.

In contrast, the other periods each have characteristics that generally result in calmer weather. The early months of the year, from January to March, can experience winter storms, but gales are less frequent due to stable cold weather conditions. From April to June, while spring storms can occur, they are usually not as intense as those seen in the fall. During the summer months of July to September, prevailing winds tend to be lighter due to higher atmospheric pressure systems establishing themselves, leading to generally more stable weather patterns on the lake.