The Weather Network is warning of a severe storm threat in southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area, on Thursday. The forecaster says the storm will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and hail to the area.
A strong system is set to affect Ontario through Thursday, delivering widespread risks of severe thunderstorms. The primary hazards associated with these storms are heavy rain, large hail, and potentially damaging winds.
The storm is 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.
The high is expected to be 28C, but feel more like 36C with the humidex. By early afternoon on Thursday, southern Ontario will grow unstable, and as thunderstorm energy increases, severe storms are forecast to move inland, impacting areas like the 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.
By late afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are expected in southwestern Ontario along the system's cold front, with large hail, strong winds, and heavy rain the main threats as storms progress.
By Friday, the humidex will remain in the 30s across parts of Ontario, with the chance of pop-up, isolated thunderstorms. However, conditions are set to become more seasonal heading into the weekend.
