What to know
- Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement ahead of Ghana’s FIFA World Cup match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday night.
- Forecasters are warning of heavy rain, strong winds and a risk of severe thunderstorms beginning later in the evening.
- Rainfall totals of 40 millimetres or more are possible as a low-pressure system moves through the region.
- The weather could impact match-day festivities, though no cancellations had been announced by FIFA Fan Festival organizers as of Wednesday afternoon.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement ahead of Ghana’s FIFA World Cup match against Panama at Toronto Stadium tonight, with forecasts calling for heavy rain, strong winds and the risk of severe thunderstorms.
On Wednesday, Environment Canada warned of significant rainfall, gusty winds and the potential for severe thunderstorms as a powerful weather system moves through southern Ontario.
The weather threat comes as thousands of fans are expected to gather at Toronto Stadium for the FIFA World Cup match between Ghana and Panama. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
According to Environment Canada, showers are expected to begin early Wednesday evening before intensifying later in the night as a strong low-pressure system moves into the region.
The national weather agency says there is also a risk of severe thunderstorms developing late Wednesday evening and continuing overnight.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to be the primary hazards associated with the system.
Rainfall totals of 40 millimetres or more are possible in some areas as thunderstorms and steady showers move through the Greater Toronto Area.
While this marks the first time a special weather statement has been issued on a FIFA World Cup match day in Toronto, it is not the first time severe weather has threatened tournament festivities.
Since the tournament began, the FIFA Fan Festival has experienced delayed openings and event cancellations due to severe weather conditions. As of Wednesday afternoon, organizers had not announced any cancellations related to the evening’s festivities.
