Ontario's fall weather is finally here with thunderstorms and chilly vibes this week
Fall is officially here, and Ontario's weather got the memo.
Rain is kicking off the first week of fall across southern and eastern Ontario (illustrative).
Hope you haven't packed away your rain gear just yet, because fall has officially arrived in Ontario with a whole new vibe. After an impressive dry spell and stretch of warm, summerlike weather in Ontario, the forecast is finally bringing some much-needed rain — and a chillier twist to start the season.
According to The Weather Network (TWN), Ontario's dry streak came to an end over the weekend, with storms and even a funnel cloud spotted in Brantford. Now, as a cold front makes its way across the province, expect cooler temperatures and plenty of rain in the forecast for the next few days.
Here's everything you need to know about the weather for the first official week of fall in Ontario.
Rain returns early this week
Toronto wrapped up an 11-day dry streak on Saturday, its longest stretch without rain this year. The city saw heavy rain, hail and thunderstorms over the weekend, snapping the dry spell in a dramatic fashion. Ottawa has also experienced over a week without significant precipitation — but that ends today.
Starting Monday, several low-pressure systems will push through Ontario, bringing rounds of showers and isolated thunderstorms, according to TWN. Southwestern Ontario will likely see the heaviest showers, with rainfall amounts reaching up to 50 millimetres by midweek in some spots.
Cities across southern and eastern Ontario — including Toronto, London, Windsor, Ottawa and Kingston — are in for a soggy start to the week, with highs around 20 to 22 degrees. Northern Ontario will stay slightly drier, but the temperatures will also dip, especially around Chapleau and Timmins.
By Tuesday, thunderstorms are expected to ramp up, with Tuesday evening being the peak for storm activity in southern Ontario. So, whether you're commuting or planning some fall activities, you might want to keep an umbrella handy!
Chilly fall temps are finally here
While southern Ontario deals with the wet stuff, temperatures are also taking a dive. Compared to the sunny warmth of last week, Monday will feel a lot cooler, especially in northeastern Ontario, TWN says. Places like Sudbury, Timmins and Thunder Bay will see temperatures around 16-18 degrees, with a mix of sun and clouds.
The good news? It's just a temporary cool-down, and by the end of the week, the weather will bounce back with higher-than-seasonal temps across the province.
A late-week warm-up
After all the rain and chill, Ontario can expect a bit of a rebound as we head toward the weekend. High pressure is building back over the Great Lakes, and TWN forecasters say temperatures could soar as much as 15 degrees above normal in northern Ontario.
Meanwhile, in southern Ontario, we're looking at highs in the low 20s with a mix of sun and cloud, so the week will end on a much brighter note than it started.
But don't forget to soak up the sun while it's here — because fall's just getting started, and the weather swings are sure to keep us on our toes.
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This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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