What to know
- Toronto’s air quality has improved after days of wildfire smoke blanketing the city.
- Rain is expected Tuesday, with a risk of thunderstorms and locally heavy downpours.
- Temperatures will reach about 24 C, though humidity will make it feel closer to 32 C.
- Sunshine returns Thursday before a chance of showers later in the week.
Torontonians finally have a break from the wildfire smoke that blanketed the city for days, but umbrellas may soon replace air quality masks.
Environment Canada is forecasting rain and a risk of thunderstorms on Tuesday as a warm, moisture-filled air mass moves across southern Ontario.
Some storms could bring heavy downpours, gusty winds and reduced visibility before conditions improve later this week.
Wildfire smoke clears as storms move in
Toronto’s air quality has improved significantly after several days of hazardous wildfire smoke from northern Ontario fires. Air quality monitoring service IQAir now rates conditions in the city as “good.”
Meteorologists note that future smoke conditions will depend on wildfire activity and shifting wind patterns.
When will it rain in Toronto?
Environment Canada says there’s a 70 per cent chance of rain beginning around midday Tuesday, with thunderstorms possible through the morning and afternoon.
Rainfall amounts are expected to vary across the GTA, with most areas receiving 5 to 10 millimetres of rain, though some locations could see more than 15 millimetres in heavier downpours.
Southwest winds are also expected to strengthen during the day, while humid conditions will make the daytime high of 24 C feel closer to 32 C.
What about Brampton, Mississauga and the rest of the GTA?
The unsettled weather isn’t expected to be limited to Toronto.
Environment Canada is forecasting similar conditions across much of the GTA, including Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Vaughan, Markham and Pickering, with cloudy skies, showers and the risk of thunderstorms developing Tuesday.
Daytime highs are expected to reach 23 C to 24 C, with humid conditions making it feel warmer in some areas.
Residents in Mississauga and Brampton could see periods of rain throughout the day, with a 60 per cent chance of showers and the potential for locally heavy downpours if thunderstorms develop.
Forecasters say rainfall amounts will vary by location, and gusty winds could accompany stronger cells moving through southern Ontario before conditions gradually improve later in the week.
Here’s what the rest of the week looks like
After Tuesday’s unsettled weather, Wednesday is expected to bring a mix of sun and cloud with a slight chance of lingering showers before skies gradually brighten.
Thursday looks to be the pick of the week, with sunny skies and a high near 24 to 26 C, followed by seasonable conditions Friday with a mix of sun and cloud and only a slight chance of a shower.
