While some communities further east, like Montreal, are postponing Halloween until Friday due to the weather, the annual celebration of costumes and candy will go on as planned in Guelph, despite the rain.
“It’s the cards that we are dealt,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie by phone Thursday, speakingof the forecasted Halloween rain.
A total of 30 to 50 millimetres of rain is expected Thursday afternoon and evening, which will make this year an especially wet one for kids walking door to door to get some candy.
The smart kids will know there will probably be less people trick-or-treating and will probably end up with more candy if they brave the rain, said Guthrie.
On the flipside, kids that stay home can stay dry and will likely get the lion's share of the candy that doesn't get handed out.
The mayor’s office received two calls on Wednesday to postpone Halloween because of the rain in the forecast, said Guthrie.
“I don’t really have the power to do that,” Guthrie noted.
A special weather statement was issued for the Guelph area by Environment Canada on Thursday, which noted the heaviest rain is expected late afternoon and early evening — peak trick or treating time for youngsters.
Wind gusts of 70 to 80 kilometres an hour are also possible for All Hallows' Eve.
“It looks like it will be a cold and rainy night, so be sure to dress your children appropriately,” said Guelph Police in a news release. “Often times costumes can be worn over warm clothing to protect your child from the weather conditions.”
Guelph Police Service is suggesting that parents remind their children to be careful when crossing the street, looking both ways and only crossing when no cars are coming. Motorists are being reminded to slow down and check for children crossing the street.
Environment Canada reminds drivers to turn headlights on and maintain a safe following distance and that pedestrians are more difficult to see when it is dark and raining.
