Storms batter parts of GTA, severe thunderstorm watch for Toronto cancelled
Severe storms battered parts of the GTA on Wednesday night.
Video from the Burlington Skyway showed vehicles being thrashed by heavy winds and rain.
Heavy wind and rain is pummeling cars on the #Burlington Skyway right now. Severe storms are slowly making their way into the GTA. Please drive according to the conditions and seek shelter when necessary. #onstorm pic.twitter.com/bjgG17NBh3
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— CityNews Toronto Traffic & Weather (@citynews680) July 21, 2022
Toronto and most of the GTA were under severe thunderstorm watches for most of the day, calling for strong wind gusts up to 100 km/h and the potential for nickel-sized hail.
Just after 10:30 p.m. most of those watches, including Toronto’s, were ended.
A number of earlier tornado watches throughout Ontario were also cancelled on Wednesday night.
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As the storm system began moving into the GTA, many took to social media to post video of heavy rains and lightning.
#onstorm pic.twitter.com/SL5462G4Wc
— rachwills (@rach_wills14) July 21, 2022
The storm approaches Toronto Harbour #onstorm pic.twitter.com/VKjZisdaF7
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— Jacob Rens (@lunarworks) July 21, 2022
Zzzzap #onstorm pic.twitter.com/yGJfnCPCZY
— Dr. Andrew (@prenerk) July 21, 2022
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Really bad thunderstorm in Ontario #onstorm pic.twitter.com/srLOYyQn2Z
— Obaidullah Teraei (@OTeraei) July 21, 2022
Intense heat and humidity continues for the GTA
A heat warning remains in effect across the GTA and much of southern Ontario.
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“Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality,” warns Environment Canada. “Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.”
“Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.”
Related: Several Toronto beaches deemed unsafe for swimming due to high E.coli levels
It was so hot in the city on Tuesday that downtown Toronto was recorded as the hottest spot in all of Canada, peaking at a temperature of 35.2 C.
The high for Wednesday was 32 C, feeling closer to 41 C with the humidity.
Thursday will provide some comparable relief with a high of 25 C. It will still feel like 35 C with the humidity.
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Toronto extends hours at some city pools for 2nd day
The City of Toronto once again extended hours at multiple swimming pools to help residents find a way to beat the heat.
- Alex Duff
- Giovanni Caboto
- McGregor Park
- Monarch Park
- Parkway Forest
- Smithfield Park
- Sunnyside Park/Gus Ryder
These pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The city says that a heat warning does not result in extended pool hours.
Decisions to extend pool hours are made daily while a heat warning is in place, based on weather risks and resource availability.
