Déjà vu: Another round of severe weather targets Ontario on Friday

Get ready to head indoors if thunder roars as we end the week across southern Ontario

A persistently stormy pattern draped across southern Ontario continues into Friday as storm energy rebuilds with another hot and humid day.

Cleanup continues from the severe Canada Day storms that downed trees and power lines, as well as the drenchers that covered parts of the Golden Horseshoe.

Be ready to alter any outdoor plans in case threatening weather approaches your location. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning.

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Southern Ontario Friday afternoon storm energy - July 3, 2026

Friday risk builds throughout southern Ontario

Extreme heat and humidity parked over the Great Lakes region will result in another round of afternoon thunderstorms fuelled by lake breezes. Humidex values will once again reach near 40 around the Greater Toronto Area, and up to 44 in the Windsor area.

This will be very similar to Thursday’s setup, in which more areas stayed dry than saw a storm.

Southern Ontario Friday severe storm risk - July 3, 2026

Slow-moving thunderstorms will be capable of wringing out the ample moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in downpours that could rack up hefty rainfall totals in short order. Strong wind gusts are also possible in the strongest storms.

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Some of the stronger storms could also drop up to 2 cm diameter hail, raising the risk of tree and property damage.

A weak cold front approaching the region will also trigger a second round of storms in the evening. Even though this front won’t be able to completely clear out the humidity, it will make the weekend much more comfortable.

Southern Ontario Friday 6 pm forecast storms - July 3, 2026

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