Although we are still in the middle of summer, it will not be a nice weekend to be outside. Environment Canada has issued a widespread special weather statement for Simcoe County, Muskoka, and a large column of the province for heavy rain between Saturday and Sunday. According to the weather agency, local rainfall amounts could exceed 50 millimetres, and rainfall rates could reach up to 40 millimetres per hour. “Showers and thunderstorms over southwestern Ontario will move into the Greater Golden Horseshoe and central Ontario (Saturday) afternoon,” said Environment Canada in its alert. “Given the potential for slow-moving showers and thunderstorms and for some areas to receive multiple rounds of precipitation, local amounts exceeding 50 mm are possible.” The widespread advisory encompasses all of southern, central, and northern Ontario, from Windsor to Kawartha Lakes, and from the Niagara Region to Timmins and Cochrane. “Rainfall amounts will be highly variable across the region and not all areas will receive this much rain,” noted Environment Canada. “There remains considerable uncertainty as to exactly which areas will receive the highest rainfall amounts.” The weather agency warns that water may pool on roads and low-lying areas, which should be avoided if they are flooded. Showers are expected to continue on Sunday in areas east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and over Northeastern Ontario.
