A Severe Thunderstorm Watch Has Been Issued For Ottawa & Torrential Rain Is Coming

It's about to get stormy, Ottawa! On Monday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a “severe thunderstorm watch” for Ottawa and the surrounding areas. Meteorologists are warning locals to be prepared for torrential rain, strong winds and even large hail.

After several days of extremely hot weather, a storm is brewing in the national capital region.

Just after 1:55 p.m. on June 22, Environment Canada issued a “severe storm watch” for the Ottawa region, warning residents that some bad weather is on the horizon.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” the government advisory explained.

While heat warnings remain in effect in the area, meteorologists also want Ottawans to be prepared for some seriously heavy rain on Monday afternoon.

Environment Canada explains that “severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.”

Torrential downpour is described as the “main threat,” this afternoon.

Thunderstorms have the ability to cause damage and cause injury, Environment Canada warns in their notice.

“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors,” the weather statement reads.

At the time of writing, the warning covered Ottawa and Gatineau, as well as South Frontenac, Charleston Lake, Bancroft, Bon Echo, Perth, Sharbot Lake, Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley.

The government weather advisory follows a week of pretty messy weather in Ontario. Soaring temperatures have been spotted across the region, with violent winds, hail and even tornadoes occurring in some places.

Ottawa has experienced several days of above-average temperatures, with humidex making conditions feel like 40 C last week.

Luckily for those who are not enjoying this spell of extremely hot weather, restbite is on the horizon.

"Significantly cooler temperatures will arrive Tuesday night," predicts Environment Canada.

Stay safe, Ottawa!

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.