Thunderstorms and heat warnings loom over Toronto's final World Cup weekend
Environment Canada forecasts heavy rain and electrical storms Friday while extreme heat lingers, threatening outdoor FIFA Fan Festival events.
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Torontonians navigating the tail end of an intense World Cup week will have to contend with more than just crowds: Environment Canada is forecasting heavy thunderstorms across Friday while an extreme heat warning remains in effect.
Thunderstorms are expected to begin Friday morning and continue through the afternoon, evening, and late into the night, threatening major outdoor events including the FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and programming at The Bentway. The unsettled weather could disrupt the final day of fan activities as Canada's World Cup hosting duties wind down.
The heat, meanwhile, shows no signs of letting up. Daytime highs are forecast to reach the mid-30s Celsius with humidex values climbing into the 40s — dangerous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Relief arrives Sunday when temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-20s with drier conditions taking over. Cooler weather is forecast to persist into next week, with highs remaining in the mid-20s.
The timing compounds what has already been an intense stretch for the city. Toronto has welcomed thousands of FIFA fans for matches, festivals, and celebrations, while Canada Day festivities and other summer attractions drew record crowds earlier this week. Anyone planning to be outside Friday is urged to monitor the forecast, stay hydrated, and have an indoor backup plan.
