Severe storm threat may dampen some long weekend plans in Ontario
The summer heat hits the pause button in southern Ontario this Canada Day long weekend, but unfortunately, the rain and thunderstorm chances do not. It's a weekend you'll want to pay close attention to if you're planning any outdoor activities
Rain has been a part of nearly every weekend since early April, with just one exception for Father's Day weekend. So, it should come as no surprise to hear that the Canada Day long weekend will include a few rounds of showers and thunderstorms, as well.
This weekend however, will not be a washout, and sunshine is also featured in our weekend forecast. For more details on the ideal times to plan for outdoor activities, or possibly a fireworks display, see the weekend forecast set up, below.
SEE ALSO: Canada Day weekend forecast: Changeable but comfortable, with no sign of heat
We will kick-off the long weekend increasing clouds, but we should stay dry through the afternoon and into the evening.
However, temperatures will be closer to what we should typically see heading into the May long weekend. High temperatures will only reach the lower 20s across most of southern Ontario, including cottage country.
During Friday night, the cloudy conditions will keep temperatures from dropping very quickly. However, we will also have an increasing threat for showers and thunderstorms.
Thunderstorm chances increase through Saturday
Saturday will be a few degrees warmer and become very humid, but periods of rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Saturday won't be a washout, there will be rain-free periods and even some peeks of sun. However, periods of rain and thunderstorms will be highly disruptive to outdoor plans. We even have a risk for strong to severe storms (especially late in the day) with powerful wind gusts and torrential rain.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue into Saturday evening. Temperatures will be quite mild overnight.
Sunday will bring a mix of sunshine and cloudy periods. We will still have a threat for passing showers, especially across cottage country, but most of the day will be dry.
Temperatures will should reach the lower 20s across most of southern Ontario, but it will be noticeably cooler across cottage country where temperatures will only reach the mid to upper teens with a gusty northwest wind.
However, this cooler weather will spread south during the mid to late afternoon, so even southern Ontario will only be in the upper teens by late afternoon with a chilly and gusty northwest wind.
Clearing is expected Sunday evening and overnight. This will allow temperatures to fall more quickly, and most of cottage country and Algonquin Park will even dip well into the single digits.
Gorgeous Canada Day Monday, but still not feeling like July
Monday will be a gorgeous day, but it will not feel quite like early July. Despite abundant sunshine, temperatures will be several degrees cooler than seasonal – only reaching the low to mid 20s across southern Ontario.
Fortunately, rain and storms will not be a concern for any fireworks displays that are planned for Canada Day.
RELATED: Here's how to plan for an amazing Canada Day fireworks display
WATCH: A Canada Day forecast that keeps everyone on their toes
Initially, we expected that a much warmer pattern would develop for the first week of July, however, the return to hot weather will be delayed.
However, most of next week will be warmer than what we will see during the long weekend, and rather muggy conditions are expected for Wednesday and Thursday.
The very warm and humid conditions will also bring a threat for thunderstorms.
A cold front is expected to track across our region during Thursday or Thursday night, followed by near seasonal temperatures and lower humidity for Friday and following weekend.
We do expect a transition to a more consistently warm (possibly hot) pattern for the second week of July and beyond.
Be sure to check back for the latest updates on your weekend weather across southern Ontario
Thumbnail image courtesy: Getty Images
