It may be a good idea to adjust any outdoor plans for Wednesday night with possibly intense storms and significant rain expected to roll through southern Ontario.
CityNews 680 meteorologist Jill Taylor says the evening storms from the west could bring very strong, gusty wind and heavy downpours.
“We’ll get into a few showers late afternoon but its into the evening, that’s when we get into the possibility of some severe storms,” says Taylor.
It will be partly cloudy through the day with most areas of the GTA staying dry until a few showers arrive after 4 p.m. Thunderstorms and more showers are expected after 8 p.m. from the west to the east.
Taylor says the unsettled weather will hang around into Thursday morning before things clear up.
Heat Warning today through Friday and heads up #Toronto GTHA if you have outdoor plans tonightStorms after 8pm tonight could bring very strong wind and heavy downpours!
— Jill Taylor (@JillTaylorCity) July 26, 2023
The GTA also remains under a heat warning as the city enters a multi-day heat wave expected to bring the hottest humidex of the year. Environment Canada issued the warning on Tuesday afternoon.
The guaranteed high for Wednesday is 31 C and it will feel more like 37 with the humidity. It will be 30 C on Thursday, feeling more like 39 with the humidity.
The highest humidex of the year is expected to come on Friday when it will feel over 40.
“Minimum temperatures in the low twenties will provide little relief from the heat,” reads the heat warning. “Areas near the lakes can expect to remain cooler than areas inland.”
The hot temperatures could pose a problem when it comes to air quality. As of Wednesday morning, Toronto was in the top 10 when it comes to worst air quality in the world, currently sitting at a moderate risk.
Environment Canada shared tips on how to best manage rising summer temperatures. They include drinking plenty of water, staying in a cool place, checking in on older family, friends and neighbours and ensuring they are cool and drinking water.
“Never, ever leave pets or people in a hot car,” says Taylor. “A car can heat up to 40 degrees in just 10 minutes. It’s extremely dangerous.”
Cooler conditions are expected to arrive by the weekend.
With files from Lucas Casaletto
