Toronto still under heat warning, but city could get thunderstorms

A heat warning is still in effect for Toronto, but Monday's forecast calls for a few showers in the afternoon followed possibly by thunderstorms.

Monday's forecast calls for a few showers followed by risk of thunderstorms, and cooling at night

CBC News ·
Toronto residents enjoy a dip in an outdoor pool on the weekend. A heat warning is still in effect for Toronto, but Monday's forecast calls for a few showers in the afternoon, followed possibly by thunderstorms. (CBC)

A heat warning is still in effect for Toronto, but Monday's forecast calls for a few showers in the afternoon, followed possibly by thunderstorms.

More seasonal weather is expected to return on Monday night, says Geoff Coulson, warning preparedness meteorologist at Environment Canada, based in Toronto.

The showers could start after 12 noon, he added.

The heat warning, which was first issued on Saturday, is the first of this year for Toronto and its surrounding area, Coulson said. Last year, only one heat warning was issued for the Greater Toronto Area, from Sept. 23 to 26. Seven were issued in 2016.

The forecast is calling for a warmer than normal summer. 

On Monday, temperatures are again expected to reach into the low thirties and humidex values are again expected to be near 40. The high is forecasted to be 31 C, with a low of 16 C at night. Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's medical health officer, has issued a heat warning for Sunday and the city has opened seven cooling centres, which are air-conditioned places for people to rest and receive a cool drink and light snack. (Muriel Draaisma/CBC)

A cold front, however, is on its way and it's forecast to cross Southern Ontario on Monday night, bringing an end to the "heat event."

Heat poses the greatest risks for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors, Environment Canada said. A family gathers in an outdoor swimming pool on Sunday. (CBC)