Strong winds, rain, and hail: Severe storm threat hits Ontario Thursday
Thursday's severe thunderstorm risk brings heavy rain, strong winds, and hail to southern Ontario
A strong system is set to affect Ontario through Thursday, delivering widespread risks of severe thunderstorms.
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The primary hazards associated with these storms are heavy rain, large hail, and potentially damaging winds. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as conditions evolve.
Thursday: Risk of heavy rain, large hail, powerful winds in southern Ontario
Ontario is bracing for widespread severe thunderstorms Thursday, driven by a muggy and humid air mass ahead of a system approaching the Great Lakes.
Humidex values are expected to climb into the mid-30s, with abundant moisture available to intensify storm activity.
Eastern Ontario will see warm frontal rain and embedded thunderstorms begin Thursday morning. By early afternoon, southern Ontario—situated behind the warm front—will grow unstable, creating conditions for stronger thunderstorms.
As thunderstorm energy increases, severe storms are forecast to move inland, impacting areas like the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as early as 1–2 p.m. ET.
Slowdowns are possible along major highways, including the 400, 404, and 401, due to heavy rain.
Localized rainfall amounts of 30-50 mm are possible under thunderstorms, along with strong gusts and hail up to toonie size.
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By late afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are expected to trigger in southwestern Ontario along the system’s cold front. Large hail, strong winds, and heavy rain will remain the main threats as storms progress.
Humidity persists Friday, but a more seasonal weekend ahead
The humidex will remain in the 30s across parts of Ontario on Friday, though conditions are set to become more seasonal heading into the weekend.
Friday's forecast includes the chance of pop-up, isolated thunderstorms.
Not all areas will experience storm activity, but localized impacts are possible. There is also a chance of afternoon severe thunderstorms developing in regions north of Lake Erie, including areas near Kitchener and Hamilton.
Stay tuned for updates and monitor alerts.