Severe weather forecast for northwestern Ontario

Severe weather forecast for northwestern Ontario

Severe thunderstorm, tornado watches and heat warnings issued for parts of the region on Monday

Residents across northwestern Ontario were warned to expect some poor and potentially dangerous weather on Monday.

Environment Canada issued several severe thunderstorm and tornado watches shortly after 12 p.m. on Monday, June 29.

Dorion, Ear Falls, Kakabeka Falls, Red Lake, Savant Lake, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Upsala were among areas reported to be under yellow watches for severe thunderstorms.

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These watches indicate the potential for storms capable of producing wind gusts of 90 to 110 kilometres per hour, up to golf-ball-sized hail and the risk of torrential downpours of 50 to 75 millimetres if multiple storms move through the same area this evening and overnight.

“Heavy rain can cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility. Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings and overturn vehicles. Large hail can cause significant damage and injury,” Environment Canada said on its website.

The national weather agency said utility outages are also possible.

Environment Canada also issued orange watches for tornadoes around 12:30 p.m. for Sioux Narrows, Mine Centre, Longbow Lake, Ignace, Fort Frances, Dryden and west to Atikokan.

“If threatening weather approaches, take cover in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail,” Environment Canada said, encouraging residents not to drive through flooded roadways and to secure loose objects.

In addition to the risk of tornadoes, wind gusts of 90 to 110 kilometres per hour, up to tennis-ball-sized hail and the risk of heavy rain of 50 to 100 millimetres if multiple storms move over the same area are possible during the afternoon and evening.

The weather agency said significant damage or destruction to infrastructure, homes and the natural environment is possible.

However, storms are not the only cause for concern for residents in the region.

Take action to protect yourself and others

Aroland and Hornepayne had yellow warnings issued around 11 a.m. for their first heat events of the season, which will continue through to Thursday and possibly into Friday.

Environment Canada said residents can expect maximum temperatures of 28 to 30 C and humidex values of 34 to 36 on Monday. It's expected to be even hotter on Tuesday with maximum temperatures of 29 to 32 C and humidex values of 36 to 40 in the forecast.

Minimum temperatures of 18 to 22 C will provide little relief from the heat, the national weather agency added.

“Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day,” Environment Canada said.

Environment Canada encourages residents to follow the advice of their region’s public health authority.

Nicky Shaw is a reporter for CBC Thunder Bay. She graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and a minor in Environmental and Climate Humanities from Carleton University. Aligning with her passion for covering global environmental and humanitarian issues, she has worked to develop in-depth multimedia content that shares the diverse experiences of people in Northwestern Ontario.