has issued rainfall warnings for regions north of Toronto, parts of Orillia, and areas surrounding Ottawa. The Parry Sound and Killbar Provincial Park region is expected to receive 40 to 60 millimetres of rainfall by late Friday night(June 20).“Rain, at times heavy, and possibly embedded thunderstorms are expected to taper to showers later today,” the national weather agency warned early Thursday morning. Officials are urging caution on roads due to the risk of flash flooding and pooling water, especially in low-lying areas. Drivers are advised to slow down if visibility is reduced.
In Quebec, the warnings stretch to areas outside Montreal and Quebec City. Towns like Saint-Donat and Mont-Tremblant could also see 40 to 60 millimetres of rain. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Montreal, with the potential for tornadoes, damaging hail, and very strong wind gusts.
“If you hear thunder, go indoors,” Environment Canada cautioned, noting that lightning can kill or injure. Dangerous wind gusts also pose a hazard to boaters and anyone near open water.
In Alberta, special weather statements are in effect for areas outside Edmonton, including Calgary, where rain and strong winds are expected from Friday through Sunday. Environment Canada forecasts up to 100 millimetres of rainfall in parts of the foothills, and up to 200 millimetres in the south. Mountainous areas could see wet, heavy snow, with 10 to 20 centimetres possible along Highway 93. Gusts of 60 to 80 km/h are expected on Saturday, with the risk of falling trees and power outages.
In northeastern BC, places near the Rockies, including the Peace River and northern Williston regions, are expecting 20 to 50 millimetres of rain.
Northern Canada grapples with smoke and heat
The Fort Liard region in the Northwest Territories is under an air quality advisory due to wildfire smoke, prompting health warnings. Visibility is expected to shift rapidly, and residents are being told to limit time outdoors to protect themselves.
Meanwhile, parts of Yukon, including Dawson, Mayo, and Old Crow, are experiencing unusually high temperatures. Daytime highs in the mid-to-high 20s°C and warm overnight lows will persist into the weekend before cooling early next week. Heat-related illness is a concern.
