Tionah Lee
Updated on: October 14, 2024 8:41 am GMT
Toronto is bracing for a deluge as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms sweep through the city and surrounding areas. With Environment Canada issuing a rainfall warning, residents could see as much as 50 millimeters (mm) of rain, raising concerns for potential flooding and water pooling in low-lying areas.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
The past few days have been particularly soggy, with Toronto already absorbing a month’s worth of rain within just three days. According to Dave Phillips, a senior climatologist at Environment Canada, the city saw 75 to 76 mm of rain from Saturday to Monday, marking the wettest September 23 on record. Typically, September would see only about 69 mm of rain for the entire month.
“The rain’s going to get heavier and carry on right through to midnight,” Phillips noted, indicating that thunderstorms could accompany the downpours. He explained that people should be cautious around river courses due to swollen banks and the risk of flash flooding.
Potential Hazards from Heavy Rain
The heavy rain poses risks to both infrastructure and residents:
- Localized flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
- Water pooling on roads, which can create hazardous driving conditions.
- Submerged underpasses and flooded basements, which may lead to costly damages.
Phillips emphasized the importance of staying away from riverbanks, as urban environments with extensive pavement and little natural ground cover can lead to rapid runoff. “A raindrop becomes a flood drop,” he remarked, highlighting the swift transitions from rainfall to flooding.
Rainfall Forecast and National Weather Patterns
Looking ahead, Toronto will continue to experience rain throughout Wednesday morning, with amounts likely to range between 20-40 mm, with some spots potentially receiving up to 50 mm. Phillips noted that the weather conditions could improve by Thursday and Friday, with sunnier skies and temperatures in the low 20s Celsius expected as the rain finally eases off.
Environment Canada stated that while the intense rainfall will continue into the morning, showers should become more isolated later. They have warned, however, that uncertainty remains high, and some areas may experience more substantial rainfall than expected.
Temperature Outlook
As the rain subsides, temperatures will likely maintain a mild feel:
- Tuesday’s high is forecasted at 25°C (77°F) with a humidex, making it feel more like 30°C (86°F).
- Nighttime temperatures are predicted to drop to about 17°C (63°F).
- Wednesday will see a similar daytime high of 24°C (75°F).
Weather experts are also closely monitoring the remnants of a tropical system that may influence the weekend forecast. Should the system shift northward, it could bring scattered showers to parts of Ontario, although skies are expected to clear overall.
Advice for Residents
As the rainfall continues, residents are encouraged to take precautions:
- Limit travel to avoid flooded areas.
- Stay updated with local weather reports.
- Avoid recreational activities near riverbanks and streams.
Phillips advises that after a period of dry weather, the sudden influx of rain can catch people off guard. With Toronto experiencing a shift from one of its driest periods back to heavy precipitation, it’s essential for residents to remain alert.
Conclusion
Toronto and southern Ontario are getting heavy rain and thunderstorms, so it’s important for everyone to pay attention to the weather. There are flood warnings, and the dangers from the rain are serious. But after this storm, a sunny weekend is coming, giving people a chance to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about flooding. Stay safe, stay dry, and keep watching the weather!
