Weather: T-storm watch issued; air quality statement in effect, but showers, cold front expected to
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Author of the article:
Megan Gillis
High power transmission lines in hazy weather conditions on Monday, Jul. 19, 2021. Photo by Errol McGihon /Postmedia
Article content
Canada’s weather agency issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Ottawa area Tuesday afternoon.
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“At 2:10 p.m. Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, pea to dime size hail and heavy rain.”
Residents are urged to “take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.”
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to QCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #QCStorm.
The storm front was first spotted to the west of the capital and was hitting Renfrew by about 2 p.m.
Storm watchers were reporting heavy rains west of the city.
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Forecasters began weather alerts Tuesday morning, noting “conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail.”
The line of thunderstorms developed near Georgian Bay and was expected to move over eastern Ontario Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Environment Canada meteorologists issued a severe thunderstorm warning warning for the area surround Pembroke, about 150 km west of Ottawa. The warning was rescinded by 2 p.m.
They said scientists were “tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing very strong wind gusts,” moving east at about 70 km/h.
Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Hail and locally heavy rain are also possible. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Meanwhile, an air quality statement remained in effect for Ottawa Tuesday morning signalling the risk of high levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario that has moved south.
But a coming cold front should start clearing the air, according to the statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the provincial government.
The temperature in Ottawa is forecast to drop from 23 C to 18 C Tuesday afternoon.
The statement is in effect for a vast swath of southern Ontario after elevated levels of particulates and hazy conditions were reported at several weather stations and if the smoke descends to ground level, it could reduce visibility and worsen air quality.
Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mix of particles and gases with chemicals that can be harmful to health, the statement said.
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
People may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath with children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, especially at risk.
Ottawa’s forecast for Tuesday includes the hazy conditions we saw Monday and a few showers beginning in the afternoon and the risk of a thunderstorm. Local amounts are expected to total 5 mm. Wind becomes north at 20 km/h late in the afternoon. The predicted peak humidex is 29.
A few showers end late Tuesday evening, with the risk of a thunderstorm, then it’s cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of more showers. Local amounts are forecast to total 10 to 20 mm. The temperature is expected to hold steady near 16 C as wind becomes light.
Poor air quality can lead to symptoms such as an unusual cough, throat irritation, headaches & shortness of breath. Children, seniors and those w/ cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. If symptoms are severe requiring medical assistance: 📞 9-1-1 https://t.co/5168jkbj0T — Ottawa Paramedic Svc | Service paramédic d’Ottawa (@OttawaParamedic) July 20, 2021
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Wednesday is expected to be cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers early in the morning then a mix of sun and cloud. Wind becomes north at 20 km/h late in the morning. The forecast high is 24 C with a humidex of 27.
Wednesday night is expected to be clear with a low of 14 C.
Mixed skies with a 40 per cent chance of showers, day and night, are expected Thursday with a high of 25 C and low of 14 C.
Friday’s forecast is for sunny skies, a high of 26 C and a low of 14 C.
Saturday is expected to be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers Saturday night that lingers into Sunday, dropping to a 40 per cent chance Sunday night. Forecast highs are 25 C Saturday and 26 C Sunday with lows of 17 C and 18 C.
Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300
Kommentare