The city of Toronto is experiencing a dramatic weather change today, Tuesday, with warnings of severe thunderstorms shortly after noon, according to CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the southern part of Durham Region, including the areas of Pickering and Oshawa, warning of strong wind gusts that may exceed 110 kilometers per hour, along with the possibility of large hail. The agency stated that strong winds and hail could cause significant property damage and physical injuries, emphasizing the need to seek shelter immediately when threatening weather approaches.

When do thunderstorms start?

Forecasts indicate that the city's weather will begin to change late this evening, with light rain and scattered thunderstorms expected in the coming hours, according to Barbara Lapido, a warning readiness expert at Environment Canada. She added that the risks of severe storms will increase starting from 5 PM, with a 70% chance of thunderstorms extending until 9 PM.

For his part, Jeff Coulson, a meteorologist at Environment Canada, explained that a cold front will pass through southern and eastern Ontario, which could lead to a long line of thunderstorms stretching from the Ottawa Valley through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) before heading towards London and Windsor.

How can you prepare?

Experts have warned that some storms may produce strong winds capable of turning moving objects into dangerous projectiles, potentially causing serious damage. Therefore, residents are advised to secure outdoor furniture and portable items or move them indoors, in addition to keeping up with weather updates through meteorological apps.

When do the storms end?

It is expected that the most intense storm activity will move into New York State after 9 PM, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures, from 25 degrees Celsius on Tuesday evening to around 2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning, according to Coulter's forecasts.

Forecasts also indicate the possibility of rain returning on Thursday and Friday, while sunny and stable weather is anticipated for Sunday.