What to know
- Environment Canada is forecasting showers and possible thunderstorms across Toronto from Friday night through Sunday.
- The wet weather could affect major outdoor events, including the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade, VELD Music Festival, the Toronto Food Truck Festival and Taste of India.
- Friday will start off sunny before conditions deteriorate overnight, with Saturday expected to be the wettest day of the long weekend.
- Monday is expected to bring a return to sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, ending the holiday weekend on a dry note.
The August long weekend is shaping up to be one of the busiest of the summer in Toronto, with thousands expected to attend outdoor festivals, concerts and community events across the city. But the forecast suggests Mother Nature could have other plans.
According to Environment Canada, showers and possible thunderstorms could affect several outdoor events and activities scheduled throughout the long weekend.
The unsettled weather could begin as early as Friday night and continue through Saturday and into Sunday, bringing periods of rain and the risk of thunderstorms.
While sunny skies and warm temperatures are expected during the day on Friday, conditions are forecast to deteriorate by the evening as a system moves into the region.
Environment Canada says there is a chance of thunderstorms Friday night, marking the start of what could be a wet weekend.
The wet weather is expected to continue into Saturday morning, with Toronto residents potentially waking up to showers and thunderstorms. Rain could persist through much of the day before easing at times, although forecasters say conditions may remain unstable into Saturday night.
The timing of the rain could have a significant impact on some of the city’s largest outdoor events. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade, which is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, could see participants and spectators contending with wet conditions.
Festival-goers and masqueraders may want to have rain gear, including ponchos and waterproof footwear, on hand.
Despite the forecast, organizers typically encourage attendees to monitor official event channels for any schedule changes or weather-related updates, as most events continue rain or shine unless severe weather poses a safety risk.
Sunday’s forecast also includes the chance of morning showers, although conditions are expected to gradually improve later in the day. By Sunday night, drier weather is forecast to return, offering some relief after a potentially soggy start to the weekend.
The good news for anyone extending their long weekend into Monday is that the forecast looks considerably brighter.
Environment Canada is calling for sunny skies and dry conditions, with daytime highs expected to reach the upper 20s, providing a warm finish to the holiday weekend.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is far from the only event that could be affected by the weather. Other major outdoor attractions taking place this weekend include the Toronto Food Truck Festival, VELD Music Festival and Taste of India, all of which are expected to draw large crowds despite the possibility of rain.
