Much of southwestern Ontario is being told to brace for severe thunderstorms that could pack wind gusts near 100 km/h.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of the region, including London-Middlesex, Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex, Elgin, Oxford, and Sarnia-Lambton. The hot and humid weather that rolled into the province over the weekend has made conditions favourable for storms to begin Monday afternoon.
The storms could produce winds up to 90 km/h that are capable of damaging buildings, downing trees and power lines, and blowing large vehicles off the road, according to the national weather agency.
Heavy rain will also be possible during these storms.
The wild weather is expected to continue into Monday evening, when a cold front will pass through the region. The cold front will bring a slightly cooler, drier air mass that will ease temperatures a little for Tuesday.
The last time scorching conditions caused severe thunderstorms to develop across southwestern Ontario, the region was hit by six tornadoes. The twisters touched down on July 19 in Belmont, Beachville, Blyth, Lambton Shores, Gads Hill, and north of Lucan.
Anyone who is outdoors when threatening weather approaches is reminded by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management to take cover immediately.
