Heat warning ends for Waterloo Region, Environment Canada says hot summer in store
Posted Jul 6, 2023 03:10:46 PM.
Last Updated Jul 6, 2023 03:35:33 PM.
This week’s heat wave in southern Ontario has finally come to an end.
Environment Canada lifted a heat warning for Waterloo Region and surrounding areas on Thursday afternoon following a multi-day heat event.
It comes as a period of significant rainfall and thunderstorms is expected over the next 72 hours.
Steven Flisfeder is a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada and he said in a media briefing Thursday that a cold front is moving in.
“That cold front is going to initiate thunderstorm development throughout the day,” he said. “It’s going to be very localized, heavier amounts. Fortunately for the fire situation, it’s going to be affecting those most active wildfire areas so any rain they can get at this point is definitely going to be beneficial.”
Flisfeder added we can expect this cool down to last for the next two weeks.
“In the shorter term (…) we are expecting that cool down across most of Ontario. Either near-normal or slightly below-normal depending exactly where you find yourself.”
He said there are some torrential downpours and heavy winds in the forecast.
“The main threat associated is going to be strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h,” he said. “There’s also a risk of hail associated with that as well as those torrential downpours.”
While many people are welcoming the cool down, it likely won’t stick around for long. Environment Canada said the summer forecast includes above seasonal temperatures.
“Now whether that means continued frequency of heat waves or extended periods of extreme heat, we can’t really say at this time. It’s something we have to determine in the shorter term as we progress through the summer,” said Flisfeder.
Flisfeder noted, it can be difficult to predict the exact timing for the remaining heat waves.
