Wet weather is returning to Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) just a week after a torrential summer downpour caused significant disruptions, including flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages. CityNews Chief Meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai forecasts that the intensity of the storms expected on Wednesday will be less severe, rating them a five or six out of ten compared to the previous week’s storms, which she rated a ten out of ten.

According to the forecast, showers are anticipated to begin in the early hours of Wednesday, around 4 or 5 a.m., and may continue until the end of the morning commute. The morning temperature is expected to be a warm 18°C, notably above the average morning low of 11°C for this time of year. As the day progresses, humidity levels will increase, with the humidex value projected to reach near 35 in the afternoon, contributing to a muggy day overall.

Following the morning showers, which are likely to increase soil saturation, a temporary break in the weather is expected until approximately 3 p.m. Then, fast-moving storms and heavy downpours are projected to begin during school pickup and the afternoon commute. This rain is expected to last about two to three hours, with the potential for lightning during the peak hours of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The areas of Toronto and regions to the east, such as Oshawa and Peterborough, are predicted to receive the most rainfall, expecting approximately 10 to 20 millimeters. However, thunderstorms may bring localized areas of up to 50 millimeters of rain, increasing the risk of flooding.

Comparatively, the wind gusts during this round of storms are expected to reach between 60 and 80 kilometers per hour, with isolated gusts near 90 kilometers per hour, particularly in the western GTA. Last week, there were forecasts for wind gusts up to 130 kilometers per hour, leading to severe wind damage and power outages. Ramsahai emphasizes that with the current storm system, power outages, wind damage, and the potential for hail and tornadoes remain minimal compared to last week’s intense weather events.