Toronto Faces Severe Thunderstorm and Flooding Risks This Weekend

Toronto is currently under a severe thunderstorm watch, accompanied by warnings of potential flash flooding and hail. According to a weather alert issued by Environment Canada shortly after 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, there are favorable conditions for dangerous thunderstorms to develop across the region. These storms are expected to produce heavy rainfall, large hail, and strong wind gusts.

As the day progresses, slow-moving showers and thunderstorms are anticipated to bring significant precipitation, with some areas in the Greater Toronto Area projected to receive up to 50 millimetres of rain. The alert also warns that heavy rain can lead to flash flooding, impair visibility, and result in damage to trees and buildings. Wind gusts could pose a hazard by potentially overturning vehicles.

The severe thunderstorm watch encompasses a broad area, extending across Southern Ontario and into parts of Quebec, nearly reaching Labrador. Live footage from the Don Valley Parkway shows drivers navigating through heavy rain near the Bayview/Bloor exit. Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Toronto police reported that flooding had blocked certain lanes of the Don Valley Parkway. Officers advised motorists of the potential hazards near the Gardiner Expressway, urging caution and suggesting alternative routes.

Reflecting on last year’s weather, on July 16, 2024, the Don Valley Parkway and many parts of Toronto faced severe flooding that resulted in the shutdown of highways and transit hubs. On that day, the city recorded nearly 100 millimetres of rain, surpassing typical July totals.

In addition to the storm forecasts, the city is currently under a heat warning. Hot and humid weather is set to envelop Southern Ontario in the upcoming week, with daytime highs expected to range from 29 C to 32 C. The humidity will make it feel as hot as 40 C. On Sunday, the forecast predicts a high of 31 C, but the heat index could push perceived temperatures close to 39 C. The UV index is also high, reaching a level of 9, which indicates very high exposure risk.

Cloud cover will persist throughout the night, maintaining a risk of thunderstorms and a 40 percent chance of rain. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop to 20 C. According to the second alert from Environment Canada, the heat is predicted to ease somewhat on Monday, but hotter and more humid conditions are anticipated to return on Tuesday. A shift in the weather pattern is expected late next week, potentially bringing an end to this prolonged period of heat and humidity by Thursday night.