12:52 PM EDT: Tornado watches are in effect for parts of southern Ontario as heat and humidity set the stage for active weather this afternoon. “Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes,” Environment Canada and Climate Change (ECCC) said. Severe storms can also produce heavy rainfall, large hail and strong winds.
CURRENT TORNADO WATCHES (ONTARIO):
- Western Algonquin Park – Lake of the Two Rivers
- Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale
- Midland – Coldwater – Lake Orr
- Bayfield Inlet – Dunchurch
- South River – Burke Falls
- Shelburne – Mansfield – North Dufferin County
- Bruce Peninsula – Sauble Beach – Tobermory
- Hanover – Dundalk – South Gray County
- Owen Sound – Blue Mountains – Northern Gray District
- Saugeen Shores – Kincardine – South Bruce County
- Goderich – Bluewater – South Huron County
- Listowel – Milverton – North Perth District
- Stratford – Mitchell – South Perth District
- Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County
- London – Parkhill – East Middlesex County
- Strathroy – Comoca – West Middlesex County
- Bracebridge – Gravenhurst
- Huntsville – Baysville
- Port Carling – Port Severn
- Town of Parry Sound – Rosseau – Killbear Park
- Sarnia – Petrolia – West Lambton County
- Watford – Pinery Park – East Lambton County
- Chatham-Kent – Rondo Park
- Windsor – Leamington – Essex County
The threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes will continue for parts of southern Ontario as we head into the afternoon and evening hours. For a broader view of the forecast, please read below.
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The stretch of hot and humid weather continues into Wednesday before active weather creeps into much of Ontario and parts of Quebec. Forecasters are watching for a widespread, severe storm that could hit from late afternoon into the evening. Southern Ontario has special weather statements for the risk, which includes potentially damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes. The greatest threat will be in areas near Lake Huron and parts of Lake Erie. For more on the continued heat and the risk of severe weather on Wednesday, read on.
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SEVERE WEATHER THREATS MUCH OF ONTARIO, WITH TORNADO POTENTIAL IN SOUTH
Heat advisories remain in effect for much of southern Ontario as hot and humid temperatures continue for another day. Some daytime highs will reach the low 30s with high humidity sending humidex readings into the mid and upper 30s during the afternoon hours.
During this stretch of heat, residents should watch for the effects of heat illness, including swelling, fainting, heat exhaustion and the worsening of some health conditions, says Environment Canada and Climate Change (ECCC).
In addition to the heat, residents should also watch for signs of active weather. A strong mid-level disturbance will reach the Great Lakes, shifting the threat of dangerous storms to southern Ontario.
Warmth and atmospheric instability will increase throughout the day in the south, while northern Ontario will continue to experience storms throughout the day.
By late afternoon, a front will cut into this unstable atmosphere, acting as a trigger for the development of powerful storm cells. Aided by wind shear from the approaching trough, some storms will have the potential to rotate, leading to a tornado threat.
This threat will be greatest for areas near the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. In addition to the threat of tornadoes, these storms will present the risk of large hail, heavy rain and damaging straight-line wind gusts.
As the storms progress, they will develop into a squall line that may cross the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the evening into the early hours of the night. The main danger at this point will be damaging winds, although the threat of tornadoes may still exist.
Storms will continue to swirl east in the evening and overnight, but will lose intensity as heating is lost during the day.
Power outages are also likely, so it’s a good idea to make sure electronics such as mobile phones and laptops are fully charged ahead of the storm.
It is important to make sure that any loose items in the yard, such as umbrellas, furniture and toys, are secure and that inflatables are put away before the storm.
Follow The Weather Network for the latest conditions in Ontario.
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