Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Toronto, ‘ping pong ball size’ hail is possible

CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter provides an update on weather conditions in Toronto and parts of the GTA.

Thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong winds, large hail, and heavy rain could arrive in Toronto later today, Environment Canada warns.

A severe thunderstorm watch, yellow alert, has been issued for the city and the national weather agency says local rainfall amounts of more than 50 millimetres are possible.

Thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, into early this evening.

Wind gusts of between 90 and 110 km/h are possible.

“Quarter to ping pong ball size hail” is also possible, Environment Canada warns.

“The main hazards will be heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts,” the advisory read.

“The greatest likelihood for damaging wind gusts is expected to be over southwestern Ontario.”

Areas of southern Ontario may see damage to roofs, fences, branches, or soft shelters.

“Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches,” the weather advisory read.

“Heavy rain can cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility.”

“Today’s local concern will be the advance of a low-pressure system into the Great Lakes region that will bring showers, storms and gusty winds throughout the day on Tuesday,” CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said on Tuesday morning.

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Environment Canada is calling for a high of 27 C on Tuesday, feeling closer to 35 with the humidity.

Skies are expected to clear on Tuesday night and temperatures will pull back on Wednesday, Coulter said, with the high “struggling to get into the low 20s.”

“Temperatures rebound to seasonable for the end of the work week under sunny skies for Thursday and Friday,” he noted.

Environment Canada says daytime highs of 26 C and 28 C are expected on Thursday and Friday respectively.

“At this point, the weekend is looking warm but a bit unsettled,” Coulter said.

A mix of sun and cloud and a high of 27 C is in the forecast on Saturday, while Sunday will see a similar daytime high with a chance of rain.

“We’ll continue to monitor the situation with northern Ontario forest fires and the prevailing wind direction for future local impacts,” Coulter said.