Early morning storms bring 50 mm of rain in one hour to parts of northern Ontario
Digital Reporter
Tuesday, July 22, 2014, 9:24 AM - A line of storms stretching from near Lake Nipigon to eastern Lake Superior prompted severe thunderstorm watches warning for parts of northern Ontario early Tuesday.
"The Thunder Bay airport received 49 millimetres of rain in approximately one hour with these thunderstorms earlier this morning," Environment Canada said.
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A rainfall warning was also issued for some communities including Dryden and Ignace with up to 50 mm possible through the morning hours.
Officials warn that fast moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away.
"Remember, severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes," EC warns. "Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches."
A heat warning is also in effect for some places as a warm and humid airmass remains in place for much of the province.
"A Bermuda High is expected to generate hot and humid conditions today," the warning reads. "Humidex values approaching 40 are expected this afternoon."
Residents are being urged to drink plenty of liquids especially water and to avoid sun exposure.
Shading yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella is recommended.
Humid start to the day... #Pearson still has to reach 30 degrees this July. Today might be the day. Forecast 30 feeling like 37 #Toronto
— Emily Vukovic (@EmilyTWN) July 22, 2014
Not a fan of the heat and humidity? According to Dr. Doug Gillham, it will be short lived.
"A cold front will cross southern Ontario Wednesday morning and bring our best chance for widespread showers and thunderstorms during the morning, but this point, we do not expect severe weather with the front," Gillham says. "Thursday will be noticeably cooler and less humid, but not as cool as what we saw last week behind the front. Also, we will see a quick recovery back to near seasonal temperatures for Friday and the weekend."
Gillham says after Tuesday there is very little extreme heat in the long range forecast, and it is possible that we will not reach 30ºC again through early August.
