Severe storms return to Ontario, Quebec with more rain and a tornado risk
Severe thunderstorm threat returns to parts of Ontario and Quebec through Wednesday, with heavy rain, strong winds, and a tornado risk all on the table. Stay alert to the changing conditions
The severe thunderstorm threat returns to Ontario and Quebec on Wednesday, so it will be important to stay on top of any weather alerts in your area, especially with this week being a popular summer vacation time with many outdoor activities included.
Eastern Ontario, in particular, will be the focus of the most severe weather threat, which includes a tornado risk, as conditions in the region will be conducive to rotating storms developing in the afternoon.
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Elsewhere, strong winds and heavy rainfall will be the main hazards. Of course with thunderstorms and high atmospheric moisture, storms could overachieve, bringing isolated downpours and higher rainfall totals. In some areas, as much as 50 mm of rain could fallen within an hour's time. Localized flooding is once again a threat for communities that see heavy rain fall on already saturated soils.
Be sure to regularly check for watches and warnings in Ontario and Quebec as conditions can change quickly when severe weather hits.
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Continue reading for full forecast details.
Tornado risk in eastern Ontario with Wednesday's severe thunderstorms
Wednesday will be the main event for thunderstorm activity this week.
Higher atmospheric moisture ahead of an approaching low-pressure system will bring all the right ingredients together for severe storms to develop across southern Ontario and Quebec.
A widespread area of showers and embedded thunderstorms moved across northeastern Ontario and western Quebec to start the day, with the threat for severe storms targeting areas farther south through the afternoon and evening.
Increased storm energy and atmospheric instability will lead to stronger storms developing as Wednesday afternoon progresses, with the chance for some severe storms to have rotation through parts of cottage country, into the Ottawa Valley, and across western Quebec. With wind shear in play, there is a non-zero chance that rotating storms could have tornadic potential.
The critical time frame for the most severe storms included in the red zone will be between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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The best chance for storms through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with the risk for strong winds and heavy rain in areas that see thunderstorms develop.
Menacing clouds spotted in Hawkesbury, Ontario, on July 24, 2024. (Courtesy of Marie-Eve Gagnon)
There is the chance for localized flooding with the heavy downpours, especially in areas dealing with saturated soils across southern Ontario. The heaviest rain will fall with the track of the low through northeastern Ontario and into western Quebec, where 50-75 mm is possible. Across central Ontario and the Ottawa Valley, a wide range of 15-30+ mm is likely. Wind gusts could reach 90 km/h at times.
Special weather statements and rainfall warnings have been issued.
For Montreal, Que., the greatest storm risk develops into the early evening hours, before dissipating late into the evening. There’s a lower tornadic threat, so flooding and damaging winds are the primary threats for Montreal.
Farther southwest, severe storms are still possible, but less favourable dynamics exist to produce high-end severe storms.
Severe weather safety
Tornadoes are a threat to many parts of Canada during the spring and summer months, and even if the environment is extremely favourable for supercell tornadoes, forecasters have limited ability to say when or if a specific storm will produce a tornado.
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To help keep you and your family safe, below is a refresher on what's most important to remember when a tornado warning is issued in your area.
TOP TIPS COURTESY OF RED CROSS:
Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.
Additional tip: You'll also want to make sure you are wearing good shoes. If your area takes a direct hit, you do not want to walk through a debris field barefoot.
WATCH BELOW: What to do if a tornado warning occurs while in an apartment
Great weekend ahead
Gorgeous weather returns to the region for Friday with full sunshine, near seasonal temperatures and comfortable humidity. This will be the best weekend weather of the summer so far with abundant sunshine and a warming trend with temperatures near 30°C.
Thumbnail courtesy of Julie Trottier, taken in Hawkesbury, Ont., on July 24, 2024.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather in Ontario and Quebec.
