Heat and humidity to be joined by pop-up thunderstorms this week in the GTA
Posted August 5, 2026 4:30 pm.
Last Updated August 6, 2026 3:00 pm.
Pop-up thunderstorms are expected to hit the GTA over the next few days as the heat and humidity rises.
A yellow severe thunderstorm watch was issued on Thursday for York Region and the Caledon area. Enviornment Canada said conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing wind gusts up to 90km/hr and up to quarter size hail.
CityNews chief meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai says to expect the temperatures to reach near 30 C over the next few days, feeling like the mid-to-high 30’s with the humidity.
Thunderstorms are also headed Toronto’s way on Thursday. There will be some isolated weak storms early in the morning north of the city in cottage country with more popping up in the afternoon.
“We’ll likely see, with some afternoon sunshine, more storms and showers. These are isolated, popping up. That means some areas get nothing, and some could see heavy downpours,” explained Ramsahai.
Those pop-up showers are expected to taper off after about 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday evening. They are also expected to return Friday morning, as well as on and off into the early evening. This could impact outdoor festival goers Friday night as the storm risk may linger until about 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
As for Saturday and Sunday, the latter is looking like a better day as there are some isolated showers and thunderstorms in the forecast for the first day of the weekend.
The humid conditions will continue through the weekend before it starts to get fresher on Monday with humidity falling through the day.
“So, it’ll be a fresher feel and a cooler week ahead next week,” said Ramsahai.
Many days next week will be below seasonal but much more comfortable for those living without air conditioning.
