Dodge the smoke and thunderstorms: Exclusive cyclist forecast for the GTA
Your guide to the best days to hit the road on two wheels across the GTA.
It's quintessentially summer riding weather for Toronto. It'll be humid. We're also on smoke watch. In addition, there could be a random thunderstorm or two. Highs are forecast to be stuck in the upper 20's for highs, making an ample water supply essential for longer spins.
FRIDAY
A few pockets of instability and a meagre lake breeze might be enough to throw down a rogue thunderstorm or two, but it's looking essentially rain-free
There be a little wildfire smoke up in Georgian Bay, but this should be up towards Cottage Country.
SATURDAY
A little more widespread instability builds in, so thunderstorms are likely to develop towards the north and west, and might even sweep towards Toronto.
Saturday is the windiest day, 20-40 km/h out of the SW, with the humidex values once again in the mid-'30s.
High confidence air quality looks to be pretty darn spectacular
SUNDAY
It might be possible to bring back some wildfire smoke into Sunday, something to watch
There's a good shot they'll be less storm activity on Sunday than Saturday, but still have to be a little vigilant for pop-up thunderstorm activity throughout Sunday.
RIDE OF THE WEEK
150 km loop with several challenging escarpments climbs, including Rattlesnake Hill.
Elevation upwards of 1100 metres, but can be toned down depending on the number of trips up the escarpment
Time in the saddle: 5-7 hours
Message @50shadesofvan on Twitter for more exclusive ride details and tips and tricks
MONDAY (Rank: 5th)
Humid and hazy, and potentially very isolated thunderstorms targeting eastern G.T.A.
Poor air quality is likely with wildfire smoke mixing to the surface - this could be potentially dangerous for some to ride in poor air quality
TUESDAY (Rank 3rd)
Get your riding in super early to avoid the showers.
Winds expected to be generally light and below 20 km/h
It’ll still feel quite sticky, but you might be able to catch a ride in later into the early evening if you’re diligent with the radar - bring waterproof gear if commuting
WEDNESDAY (Rank: 1st)
Somewhat of a phantom cold front, it didn’t do much to cool temperatures, mid-20’s with the humidex spilling into the low 30’s. A touch warm for some, but honestly a pretty beauty day for getting some kilometres on the bike
THURSDAY (Rank: 5th)
Another case of riding early to avoid the showers, before 8 am. Watching a system moving in from the NW, it’s associated with a cold front, but I bet we dry out after dinner with gusty winds developing (up to 50 km/h)
The addition of the stronger winds makes this one of the least favourable days to ride this week
FRIDAY (Rank: 2nd)
Mostly sunny, temperatures the low 20’s, likely an excellent riding day with low humidity with NW flow aloft, but winds will still be a major factor
Tracking some gusts up to 50 km/h - but this cold front zapped all traces of humidity from the environment
