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Thunderstorms on the way

“Beginning in extreme southwestern Ontario, a low-pressure system is coming in through overnight into tomorrow,â€� warning preparedness meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said. “There’s already thunderstorm activity in and around Windsor and Sarnia.â€�

But he’s not expecting the storms to turn severe this afternoon. It’s later this evening that meteorologists are watching the weather patterns.

Gusty winds, heavy downpours possible

“You could get into some heavy downpours, especially through those (southwestern) areas,� he said. “There may be gusty winds as well.�

Causing the storms today is actually a warm front ahead of a low-pressure system, building heat in various communities, Flisfeder added.

“That warm front is expected to sweep across southern Ontario through the overnight hours into the early morning before the low itself actually starts to approach,� he said.

Severe thunderstorms predicted on Thursday

The system will reach Ontario between 1 and 4 a.m. Thursday morning, with severe thunderstorms expected overnight anywhere from Windsor across to the GTA.

“As the system crosses through the GTA, it starts to lose a bit of steam in the midmorning hours, before re-intensifying in the later half of the afternoon in eastern Ontario before crossing into Quebec,� Flisfeder explained.

The reason for the slowdown is because of the cooler morning temperatures.

“By the time we get to the morning hours, the heat associated with daytime solar activity, that is at a minimum at those hours, so it’s lost its fuel,â€� Flisfeder said. “It will start to re-intensify through the afternoon. Areas further east will be at or near their peak temperatures and moisture for the day.â€�

Tornadoes possible overnight

In particular for southwestern Ontario areas, tornadoes are possible along with these severe thunderstorms.

“In the overnight hours, that’s something people are going to want to be on the lookout for. Especially because it’s the overnight hours, and that’s when people are at their most vulnerable — they’re most likely asleep,â€� he said. “Turn on your ringer so your phone will wake you up if a tornado warning is issued in the overnight hours.â€�

Pay attention if you’re camping in southwestern Ontario

Anyone camping in southwestern Ontario should also pay attention to the weather alerts Wednesday afternoon and overnight, and Flisfeder recommends connecting with park rangers to inquire about the safety plan — especially if you are out in the woods.

“Know where the safest places are to get to if you are in a forested area,� he said.

As for the rest of the province, thunderstorms are possible into cottage country, although not as likely as more southern areas, Flisfeder added.

Cooler temperatures expected on Friday

Once the storms move past the province, the skies should be clear for the rest of Thursday and Friday.

But you should also anticipate temperatures back within the seasonal range.

Friday’s forecast is highs of 23 to 25 C across the province.

“There’s a new air mass keeping things fresh,â€� Flisfeder said.

And the cool air continues overnight, with lows dipping to 12 or 15 C, depending on where you are in the province.

“That’s where temps should be for the season, more comfortable.â€�