Environment

Heat, humidity spawn severe storms in Ont., N.B. and Sask.

by Rob Walker | June 9, 2008 at 11:41 am

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Severe winds and rain battered a huge swath between Windsor and Toronto and was felt as far away as New Brunswick during the evening and overnight on Sunday. And that big funnel and huge amount of wind you might have seen?

Yeah, authorities think it might have been a tornado.

And it's not done yet, as residents in southern Ontario prepare for yet more stormy weather. A cold front and thunderstorms, along with high winds and rain, are expected overnight.

Ironically enough, the storms did nothing to abate the intense heat, which affected many areas around Ontario, including Toronto. The temperature went as high as 32 over the weekend, and with the humidex it felt like 40.

My girlfriend and I, both experienced first aid responders who have dealt with extreme heat before, spent the day outside at the Toronto Zoo on Saturday. Even though we stayed in the shade as much as possible, took breaks and drank plenty of water, she suffered some mild heat stroke on Sunday.

So please, if you're outside and it's hot out, be aware and stay hydrated!

Read NowPublic recent weather coverage here.

People in southwestern Ontario are cleaning up debris and repairing damage Monday after severe storms, fuelled by intense heat and humidity, battered a swath of territory between Windsor and Toronto.
The weekend's high temperatures and humid conditions continued into Monday, with officials warning of the effects of heat on vulnerable members of the public.

There were reports of tornadoes or funnel clouds Sunday in at least three places. Environment Canada says it will investigate the sightings and examine the damage caused by thunderstorms.

The weather agency's Geoff Coulson says satellite images showed a "classic tornado shape" to clouds near London, Ont.

Residents in southern Ontario are in for more stormy weather today after heavy rain and high winds -- along with reports of tornadoes -- battered the region Sunday.

Environment Canada said Monday morning that a cold front will approach southern Ontario tonight.

Ahead of the front, one or two bands of thunderstorms are forecast to develop and there is a "slight risk" that they could become severe.

Toronto’s medical officer of health issued an extreme heat alert this morning after a sweltering weekend marked by humidity and tornado warnings.

Dr. David McKeown upgraded the heat alert issued yesterday amid forecasts of more humidity and a high of 31 C.

During an extreme heat alert, members of the public are encouraged to check on family, friends and neighbours at risk of heat-related illness.

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mathiasrousseau

at 11:42 on June 10th, 2008

Always waiting for the right conditions, I set my camera up on the night of June 5th, but didn't expect such an intense storm. The tower got hit a whopping 10 times that night, in clear conditions. I managed to get 6 pictures of the tower getting hit. Always spectacular!

mathiasrousseau has contributed a photo to this story.

KMorhart

at 07:32 on June 12th, 2008

While Northwestern Ontario (Kenora to Dryden at least) have not received the severe weather that southern Ontario has seen in recent days/weeks; the area has been saturated by steady rain. Few days of sunlight have broken up the monotony of grey skies, while brisk northernly winds have kept any potentially warm days cool.

KMorhart has contributed a photo to this story.