Thunderstorms possible as potent weekend system hits Ontario
Brace for heavy rain, gusty winds, and possibly even some thunderstorms this weekend as a low-pressure system sweeps into Ontario
A brewing storm could throw a wrench in your weekend plans across Ontario amid a risk for heavy rains, gusty winds, and possibly even a couple of thunderstorms.
This is the first classic fall storm we’ve seen in the Great Lakes this season, a testament to how dry conditions have been recently.
Make sure loose outdoor objects and Halloween decorations are tightly secured or brought indoors before the blustery winds arrive on Saturday and Sunday.
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Potent low builds over the Great Lakes
We’ll see a low-pressure system develop over the Great Lakes beginning on Saturday, which will track through northeastern Ontario into the day Sunday.
A rich stream of moisture from south of the border will fuel heavy rainfall throughout the province. Expect rain to begin in northeastern Ontario late in the day Saturday, building across southern Ontario into our Sunday.
Moisture and instability associated with our growing storm could give rise to thunderstorms over southern Ontario on Sunday. It’s worth noting that the U.S. Storm Prediction Center (SPC) paints a level one (marginal) risk for severe thunderstorms right up to the international border.
A swath of 50-75+ mm of rain will follow the heart of the low-pressure system as it tracks into northeastern Ontario. Lower totals, mainly in the 5-15 mm range, are expected in southern Ontario. Locally higher amounts are possible beneath thunderstorms.
Gusty winds as the low-pressure system grows
Wind gusts of 40-50 km/h will build into southern Ontario on Saturday as our low-pressure system intensifies over the region.
The strongest winds of 60-80+ km/h are expected to arrive in southern Ontario on Sunday morning and continue through the day. Residents should ensure loose objects and Halloween decorations are brought inside or tightly secured before they go tumbling away in the blustery conditions.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen winds this strong. Windsor’s last wind gust of 70+ km/h was an 81 km/h measurement back on July 12.