Toronto, GTA Under A Thunderstorm Watch Amid Steamy Conditions; Tornado Risk For Some Areas

The hot and humid weather conditions could lead to strong thunderstorms in Toronto and parts of the GTA, with the potential for intense wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain, and a risk of a tornado in some areas.

Environment Canada issued a thunderstorm watch for the region on Wednesday, saying, “Thunderstorms will develop along a cold front that will move through the province this afternoon.”

The National Weather Agency says the thunderstorms could bring wind gusts up to 100 km/h and toonie-sized hail.

It also says a tornado is possible for Newmarket, northern York and Durham regions, Georgina, Uxbridge and Beaverton.

Toronto is expected to see a daytime high of 28 C on Wednesday, increasing the threat of severe weather in the city and much of southern Ontario. There is currently a chance of showers for Toronto this afternoon, with the risk of strong thunderstorms from noon to 8 p.m.

The steamy conditions could also bring a risk of a tornado in central Ontario.

Central Ontario and along the Quebec border stretching from Temiskaming Shores, Ont., to Val-d’Or, Que., could experience tornadoes, large hail, strong winds, and heavy downpours.

While Toronto and the GTA will experience hot daytime temperatures and humidex values on Wednesday, a cold front will squash some of that heat to cap off the week, with plenty of sunshine on the way. We’re expecting sunny skies and a high of 25 C on Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures sky-rocketed in the city on Tuesday, hitting 29 C at its peak, though it felt more like 34 C. Toronto’s average high for this time of the year is 20 C.