World Cup weather: thunderstorms possible Friday at kickoff
A cold front will bring rain and potential thunderstorms, but the worst should pass before the 3 p.m. match.
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FIFA fans heading downtown Friday for Canada's opening World Cup match should prepare for wet weather. A cold front will sweep across the Greater Toronto Area during the day, bringing potential showers and thunderstorms, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson.
The worst of the precipitation is expected to pass before the 3 p.m. kickoff, though lingering showers may persist as the match starts. Friday's high will reach 29 C with high humidity—both above normal for early June. As the afternoon wears on, the activity will push eastward and cooler, drier weather will move in for the evening.
Coulson urged residents to take shelter indoors if they hear thunder. "The lightning safety rule says 'when thunder roars go indoors,' that's the time to find a solid shelter and stay there," he said. "Make sure you stay in that solid shelter for a full 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder to let that storm get well away from your location."
FIFA has implemented three-minute hydration breaks into each half of every game, regardless of weather conditions, to support player welfare. The forecast dips into next week with cooler than average temperatures around 22 C. If the weather clears Friday, Coulson urged residents to wear sunblock as the UV index will be high throughout the weekend.