Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area, is in for a wet and stormy Wednesday as a cold front sweeps across the province, sparking widespread thunderstorms that could turn severe.
The main threat, according to The Weather Network, is localized flooding. The atmosphere is carrying between 40 and 60 mm of moisture, and the most organized storms could drop more than 50 mm of rain in some areas, raising the risk of pooling and ponding on roads and in low-lying spots.
Muggy air fuels storm risk
A low pressure system tracking in from the Prairies is pushing a surge of humid air across Ontario. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-20s, feeling close to 30 C in parts of southern Ontario, including the GTA.
That moisture and instability are expected to peak ahead of the cold front on Wednesday. Rain and storms are forecast to develop first across cottage country and Muskoka before spreading southward, with areas near Parry Sound potentially seeing 20 to 30 mm of rainfall or more.
For the GTA, rain is expected to intensify during the afternoon before the system moves into the Ottawa area by evening.
Strong storms are also forecast along Lake Erie, where gusty winds of 80 km/h or higher are possible.
Residents are being advised to stay alert to changing conditions throughout the day and to check for any weather warnings issued for their area.
Clearer weather ahead
The turbulent weather won't linger long. Thunderstorm activity is expected to taper off by Thursday, making way for a sunny and seasonal start to the weekend.
