Damaging winds and hail: Severe storm threat hits southern Ontario Thursday
Stormy conditions return to parts of southern Ontario for Thursday. Large hail, strong winds and heavy downpours are the main threats through the day
The start of May will bring another potent thunderstorm risk to southern Ontario, just a couple days after a round of severe weather led to widespread power outages, with downed hydro lines, and uprooted trees.
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The thunderstorm risk spans much of southern Ontario on Thursday, with a chance of severe storms confined mostly to southwestern sections and the Niagara region. While the storms aren't expected to carry the same punch as the cells on Tuesday, the potential for strong winds could hinder restoration efforts for those still without power. Pockets of heavy rain and large hail are also possible with storms that develop.
Be sure to keep an eye on local weather alerts throughout the day, especially as conditions change or deteriorate.
Renewed thunderstorm risk as May begins in southern Ontario Thursday
Southern Ontario's next system moves into the Great Lakes region on Thursday.
Cloudy skies, and off-and-on showers are likely from Windsor to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) into the early afternoon hours, and there might even be a rumble of thunder in there, too.
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Strong winds and large hail primary threats with Thursday's storms
The risk for severe thunderstorms will come in later in the day as the warm front that is associated with the system makes its way into the Great Lakes region.
A large temperature contrast could fuel severe storms. Lake Ontario's influence may help to enhance the storms tracking in from London to the Niagara Peninsula, with expected timing from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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A cold, easterly wind coming off Lake Ontario will collide with warmer air inland, providing more instability and lift for possible severe storms to develop.
Grimsby, Ont., may only hit a daytime high of 4°C to 6°C while Niagara, Ont., warms to near 20°C.
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Large hail, around nickel size, as well as strong wind gusts are the main threats with any severe storm that forms. However, they aren't forecast to be as strong as the damaging winds seen on Tuesday.
Most areas with storms will see wind gusts between 40-60 km/h. Near Niagara, and along the Lake Erie shores, stronger wind gusts of 80-90 km/h are possible.
A widespread 5-15 mm of rain is forecast into Friday, with pockets of heavier rain up to 25 mm likely in areas that see storms develop.
There is some uncertainty with how severe the storms may get in the GTA. Expect thunderstorm disruptions for the evening commute and for the Maple Leafs Square gathering in Toronto Thursday night.
Rain chances continue throughout parts of the weekend, and into early next week, as well. Above seasonal temperatures are expected to dominate, but it will be cooler at times near the shores of the Great Lakes.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for Ontario.