First Thunderstorms of season

The first line of thunderstorms in 2008 developed rapidly along a weak cold front during the supper hour last night. The line flared up over the 416 corridor and moved south towards the Seaway. Several hours of vivid lightning, thunder and even a spot of hail here in Kemptville were recorded. About 5-10mm of rain fell along the front. Despite the shower activity, many areas on either side of the border have fire bans in effect. Relative humidity's are expected to lower today and with the lack of a proper frozen ground from this past winter, the ground is drying out very quickly. Combined with gusty winds, the threat of fire is real. Grass fires have flared up already this week in Augusta Township south of Kemptville and upstate New York.

It should be sunny, warm and dry today and Friday before showers move in for Saturday. Meanwhile another storm is bringing snow and freezing rain to the southern Prairies with a winter storm warning for southern Manitoba today. 10cm of snow and freezing rain is forecast.