Thunderstorm and tornado watches issued as heat, humidity peak Thursday
Posted June 16, 2022 7:45 am.
Last Updated June 16, 2022 9:59 pm.
Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for parts of the GTA and southern Ontario while a tornado watch is in effect for the Ottawa region.
Environment Canada says the storms could pass through the region Thursday afternoon, bringing with them wind gusts of up to 110 km/h and ping-pong ball-sized hail.
“Thunderstorms are expected to develop early this afternoon with the potential for quick intensification as they progress eastward,” the national weather service says.
“Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.”
Environment Canada says “a tornado or two” is possible in these areas Thursday afternoon or evening.
According to Environment Canada, as of 5 p.m., a tornado watch is in effect across the following regions:
- Bancroft-Bon Echo Park
- Brockville-Quinte-Northumberland
- Ottawa
- Cornwall-Morrisburg
- Prescott and Russell
- Renfrew-Pembroke-Perry’s Bay
- Smiths Falls-Lanark-Sharbot Lake
- Stirling-Tweed-South Frontenac
Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the week with a guaranteed high of 32 C but feeling closer to 41 C with the humidity. Fresher air is expected to move into the region on Father’s Day weekend.
“Still on the muggy side though and it will still be very warm overnight,” says CityNews meteorologist Jill Taylor.
https://twitter.com/Birdy0127/status/1537495188540628992
Severe thunderstorm, tornado and squall watches in effect, with strong wind gusts, large hail and an isolated tornado as the main threats. #ONstorm pic.twitter.com/DrZ5Gclwkh
— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) June 16, 2022
Southwestern Ontario will likely have a couple of days of excessive heat with a humidex into the 40s. The humidity will stick around on Friday with a high near 25 C, then fresher air is expected to move in.
Toronto will see slightly below-average daytime highs of 20 C and 22 C on Saturday and Sunday.
“Cooler temperatures, especially in the morning with lows near 11 C, the average low is near 14 C,” Taylor says.
The normal high for this time of year is 24 C.
