Early start to tornado season?

A gathering storm is captured in this viewer-submitted photo. (Source: Shelley Beacham)

Environment Canada is cautioning Ontarians about severe weather - including tornadoes - headed our way in the next 48 hours.

With a mostly clear day expected in central Ontario Monday, the northern regions of Ontario can expect thunderstorms, high winds and wretched weather in the next 24-hours.

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“We’re going to see a pretty dramatic change in the next few days,” said Geoff Coulson, the warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada.

A second system will strike our area bringing the wrath of the weather gods upon us by Tuesday afternoon. The morning is expected to be hot and humid, but expect the weather to change drastically mid-day, he said.

“Confidence is growing in an early season severe thunderstorm event with strong winds and large hail possible,” Environment Canada says on their social media pages.

Coulson takes it one step further and advises there is the possibility of tornadoes once the cold front meets the hot humid weather of the morning in mid-afternoon.

While golfers may want to risk an early morning game Tuesday, they might want to ensure their emergency preparedness kits are well stocked and handy.

National Emergency Preparedness

In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies:

• You may need to get by without power or tap water.
• Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
• You may have some of the items already, such as food, water and a battery operated or wind-up flashlight.
• The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark?
• Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is.
• Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet.

“After the cold front goes through on Wednesday, we’ll see a big change in the air mass. Temperatures will stay on the cool side and be cold and rainy through to the weekend,” Coulson said.

At this time, Environment Canada does not have any weather alerts issued for the region.