Get ready for a weather rollercoaster this week in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Brace yourself for rising temperatures and the looming threat of thunderstorms as we head towards midweek.
Tuesday kicked off with a blanket of fog, but as the day progressed, temperatures soared to a peak of 27 degrees Celsius, coupled with a humidex of 35. The afternoon may see a chance of brief showers and thunderstorms between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., potentially bringing strong wind gusts, hail, and 20-40 millimeters of additional rain to already waterlogged ground across the GTA.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a yellow heat warning for parts of southwestern Ontario, where humidex values could climb into the 40s. This warning is expected to remain in effect through Wednesday. Meanwhile, a low-pressure system making its way across the U.S. Midwest could set the stage for severe weather conditions on Wednesday, disrupting the region.
Anticipate two to three rounds of stormy weather on the horizon for the GTA, fueled by the hot and muggy conditions. The morning commute might be a challenging mix of fog and rain, with visibility potentially dropping to less than a kilometer in some spots. Be prepared for additional rainfall of 40-60 millimeters from possible severe storms. A yellow fog advisory has been issued for Toronto and the surrounding areas.
By Wednesday afternoon and evening, beware of strong, destructive winds gusting up to 110-130 kilometers per hour. These powerful gusts could bring down tree limbs and power lines, leading to potential power outages across a sizable portion of southern Ontario. In certain regions, there’s an elevated risk of tornadoes, along with the potential for hailstones measuring 3-5 centimeters in diameter, capable of causing substantial damage.
While early morning storms may bring heavy downpours and strong winds, a temporary lull is expected around midday. However, as the afternoon progresses, storms are forecasted to move into Toronto just in time for rush hour. The likelihood of heavy, torrential downpours later in the day raises concerns for significant flooding in certain city areas.
Humidity levels are set to drop over the upcoming Labour Day weekend, with temperatures returning to seasonal norms and clear skies prevailing. Fortunately, no severe weather disruptions are foreseen as students return to school on Tuesday, with comfortable temperatures hovering in the low 20s.
