Elevated risk of severe thunderstorms today

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for southern Quebec today.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for southern Quebec already today. A cold front will slice into a very warm, humid and unstable air mass, located here in the St. Lawrence Valley. The ingredients are coming together for a severe weather outbreak across eastern Ontario into Quebec. The storms are already beginning to fire up in the Ottawa Valley this morning, and will increase in aerial coverage this afternoon.

Any storms that do develop, will have the potential to produce very strong winds, torrential rain, hail and even isolated tornadoes. Warnings will be issued when storms are threatening an exact location. The watch is just a general indicator of the risk for any one region. If outdoors today, seek shelter immediately when threatening weather and especially lightning approach. Listen for warnings, which may be issued at anytime today. High temperatures will be near 30C (86F) today, cooling off after the frontal passage.