Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm watch for Ottawa

Environment Canada is issuing a severe thunderstorm watch for Ottawa and surrounding areas. 

The weather agency is warning of possible severe thundershowers in the afternoon of Wednesday, June 22 and into the evening for:

• Ottawa North – Kanata – Orléans
• Ottawa South – Richmond – Metcalfe

These storms are capable of producing strong wind gusts of 80 km/h, hail size up to two centimetres and heavy rain.

“Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles,” Environment Canada said. “Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops.”

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

Environment Canada said the high temperature for Wednesday will reach 26 C, with a humidex making it feel like 34 C.