What to know
- Toronto could see 20 to 30 mm of rain today, with another 15 to 25 mm possible tonight, according to Environment Canada.
- Thunderstorms are expected to develop late this afternoon and continue into the evening, with the greatest severe-weather threat expected roughly between 4 and 8 p.m., according to The Weather Network.
- The Weather Network says southern Ontario could see damaging winds, very large hail, torrential rain and isolated tornadoes.
- Conditions should settle Thursday, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 27 C.
Toronto is bracing for a potentially dangerous round of thunderstorms Wednesday, with heavy rain, damaging winds and a risk of tornadoes expected across southern Ontario later today.
Environment Canada is forecasting showers at times heavy Wednesday morning, followed by a 40 per cent chance of showers this afternoon. Showers with thunderstorms are expected to begin late Wednesday afternoon, with a risk of thunderstorms continuing tonight.
The city could receive 20 to 30 mm of rain today, with another 15 to 25 mm possible tonight.
But the potential severity of Wednesday’s weather goes beyond a typical rainy day.
In a forecast published Wednesday morning, The Weather Network warned that severe storms developing across southern Ontario could bring torrential rain, damaging winds, very large hail and isolated tornadoes.
The Weather Network said the greatest threat is expected from late afternoon into the evening.
The Weather Network says a sharp cold front moving in from Michigan, combined with the hot and humid air, could set the stage for some strong storms.
According to the network, forecasters expect at least two rounds of storms, with the second and potentially more severe round happening as the cold front moves through.
The Weather Network said severe storms could sweep from the Barrie area through the GTA and into eastern Ontario between roughly 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., with the potential for torrential rainfall, damaging winds, hail larger than golf balls and one or two tornadoes.
Areas west of Toronto toward Lake Huron, as well as areas east toward Bancroft and Kingston, were identified by network as having an elevated tornado risk.
Toronto could also get a brief period of clearing and intense heat before the next round arrives. Environment Canada is calling for a high of 28 C, with a humidex of 36.
The Weather Network says the heat and humidity building through the day could help fuel stronger storms later on.
The potential impacts include power outages and tree damage from strong winds, localized flooding from torrential rain, and property damage from hail, the Weather Network said.
The forecast after the storm
The unsettled weather is expected to ease overnight, although Environment Canada is forecasting a 40 per cent chance of showers and a continued risk of thunderstorms overnight.
Thursday should bring a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 27 C, followed by a stretch of comfortable late-summer weather.
Friday is expected to reach 26 C, with highs of 25 C Saturday and 24 C Sunday. Monday is also forecast to reach 24 C.
