Storm of the Century for Tampa and Central Florida; Catastrophic Hurricane Milton Will Make Landfall Tonight

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Satellite Image of Hurricane Milton from October 8th at 10:30PM EDT, Courtesy of Colorado State University.

Hurricane Milton managed to maintain its status as a Category 5 hurricane overnight and has since been downgraded to a still catastrophic Category 4. Milton has finally started to encounter some shear that began to change its structure and will cause the storm to weaken. The shear is expected to increase throughout the day, weakening the storm further, but it is still expected to be a powerful Category 3 hurricane upon landfall later tonight. Current projections have landfall occurring at around 1am with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (201 km/h).

There have also been continued southward wobbles in Milton's track and this has pushed the potential landfall location further south. The margin of error is approximately 20 miles at this point, so the exact location of landfall is starting to become a bit clearer. Regardless of where the storm eventually makes landfall, the shear will cause the storm to grow and the devastating impacts will be widespread. This is the first hurricane to directly impact the Tampa area since 1921, making Hurricane Milton the storm of the century for the region.

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Reflectivity from the Tampa Bay Radar Station on October 9th at 11:40AM EDT.

The eye of the hurricane is now visible on both Key West and Tampa Bay radars and we've already begun to see significant rainfall moving inland in Central Florida. Current rainfall totals for the Tampa area are in the 1-2 inch (25-50mm) range, but with the heaviest bands of rain just starting to come ashore, these numbers will jump.

Widespread flooding remains a major concern across central and northern portions of the Florida Peninsula, with localized rainfall totals potentially reaching 18 inches (457 mm). These heavy rains will push far inland and elevate the risk of flash flooding over a large part of the state, especially in low-lying areas and along rivers. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) continues to forecast a High Risk (their highest level) for flash flooding across a large swath of Central Florida that includes Tampa and Orlando.

We've also seen several tornado warnings and confirmed tornadoes south of Lake Okeechobee. Tornadoes are a major threat when hurricanes approach shore from the many imbedded thunderstorms and the potential for more tornadoes will continue into the afternoon and expanding northward with the overall motion of the hurricane.

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Tropical storm-force winds are started to make their way over land with the rain this morning and they will gradually spread further inland throughout the day as the storm makes its final approach and the increased shear causes the wind field to grow. The area of hurricane-force winds will also become larger, but since they are found closer to the eye, they won’t be felt inland until closer to landfall.

The continued southern shift that's been seen in Hurricane Milton's track has also shifted where the greatest storm surge is expected. The greatest peak storm surge of 10-15ft is now forecasted along the coast from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande. The forecast for Tampa Bay has been downgraded to 8-12ft, but this is still a life-threatening amount of water.

With a little over 12 hours until landfall, there is very little time left for those in the path to make their final preparations. If you or your loved ones are in the storm’s potential path, it’s crucial to stay informed, heed evacuation orders if they are issued, and follow any directives from local emergency personnel. We will continue to provide updates throughout the day as Milton makes its final approach.

Peak Storm Surge Forecast in FLorida for Hurricane Milton, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

Florida Braces for Catastrophic Landfall of Hurricane Milton; Potential to be the Most Destructive Hurricane on Record for the State

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Satellite Image of Hurricane Milton from October 8th at 2:21PM EDT, Courtesy of National Hurricane Center.

Following its almost unprecedented intensification from a Tropical Storm to a Category 5 hurricane and becoming the 5th most intense Atlantic hurricane on record, Milton’s development was stunted overnight while undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle. During this, the inner structure of the storm changed significant, with the eye filling in and the wind field expanding. The peak winds fluctuated and Milton was downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane this morning.

With the eyewall replacement complete, the eye cleared and shrunk in size, marking the possibility it might regain some of its slight loss in strength and achieve Category 5 status once again. The latest Hurricane Hunter recon mission estimates that Milton is just shy of the threshold of becoming a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h). However, continued structural changes over the next 24 hours will result in further fluctuations in strength.

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Forecast Track for Hurricane Milton, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Milton continues its offshore passage of the Yucatan Peninsula, where it has brought significant damage to coastal areas. The storm has already made its predicted turn and begun moving northeastward into the heart of the Gulf, where it will increase its forward speed bringing it into Central Florida.

There has been very little change in the official forecast track from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), aside from the possibility that landfall might occur just south of Tampa Bay. This slight change is of little consequence because even at 24-36 hours out, the NHC forecasts have of a margin of error 60-70 miles so it is still difficult to pinpoint exactly where landfall will occur. Furthermore, Milton and its wind field are still projected to grow in size as the storm encounters vertical wind shear ahead of landfall. The area of hurricane and tropical storm-force winds is expected to double in size, spreading the threats of life-threatening surge, heavy rains, and destructive winds far beyond the forecast cone.

The NHC’s storm surge forecast for the Anclote River to Englewood, including Tampa Bay, has been increased to 10-15ft and could be double that from Hurricane Helene two weeks ago. With the area still recovering from storm surge damage that resulted from Helene, large piles of debris can be found all along the coast, posing a very unique threat. Not only will some of the debris get washed back inland with the storm surge, the hurricane-force winds could easily turn these remnants into dangerous projectiles when the storm hits.

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In addition to the threat of storm surge and intense winds, central and northern portions of Florida Peninsula could see 5-12 inches (127-305 mm) of rainfall, with localized totals potentially reaching 18 inches (457 mm). These heavy rains will push far inland and elevate the risk of flash flooding over a large part of the state, especially in low-lying areas and along rivers. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a High Risk (their highest level) for flash flooding across a large swath of Central Florida that includes Tampa and Orlando.

After landfall, Milton is expected to track across the Florida Peninsula and emerge into the Atlantic, where it will briefly remain a hurricane before transitioning into a post-tropical storm. However, the impacts to Florida and surrounding areas will be significant long before the storm weakens.

Flash Flood Forecast in Florida from Hurricane Milton, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

Milton’s rapid intensification has been fuelled by its movement through an area of deep, warm waters, with sea surface temperatures exceeding 28°C, providing ample energy for the storm. Additionally, low wind shear in the region has allowed the hurricane to strengthen unhindered. Thankfully, we began to see that development stall overnight with the eyewall replacement cycle. As it continues to approach Florida, Milton is still expected to encounter an area of shear that will weaken it further, but it will still be a powerful hurricane at landfall. The NHC forecast maintains that it could make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (201 km/h). However, they have stated that this projection is on the high end of model guidances so there is the possibility of an adjustment to this forecast in the next 24 hours.

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The entire Florida Peninsula is now under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning. Residents in the projected path are being urged to finalize their preparations while there is still time. Tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive as early as tomorrow morning, with landfall projected overnight Wednesday. While uncertainty remains regarding Milton’s exact landfall location and strength, the potential for widespread heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges is significant.

If you or your loved ones are in the storm’s potential path, it’s crucial to stay informed, heed evacuation orders if they are issued, and follow any directives from local emergency personnel. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, so stay tuned. Your safety is the priority as Hurricane Milton approaches.

Forecast Track and Intensity of Hurricane Milton with Sea Surface Temperatures, courtesy of Tomer Burg.

Milton Rapidly Intensifies into Dangerous Category 5 Hurricane; Threatens to Slam into Tampa Bay, Florida on Wednesday

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Satellite Image of Hurricane Milton from October 7th at 11:59am EDT, Courtesy of Colorado state university.

In a remarkable and alarming turn of events, Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane within just 18 hours, marking one of the most rapid intensifications on record in the Atlantic. Only Hurricane Wilma intensified faster, strengthening in just 12 hours back in 2005. Such an extreme escalation underscores the potential danger of this storm as it continues to grow in strength.

Data gathered by Hurricane Hunter aircraft earlier this morning estimated that Milton’s maximum sustained winds were around 160 mph (257 km/h), making it the second hurricane this season to reach Category 5 intensity, following Hurricane Beryl in July. However, more recent data now indicates that Milton’s winds have increased even further to 175 mph (282 km/h), with a minimum central pressure of 911mb, making it the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Dorian in 2019. These numbers highlight just how powerful Milton has become in such a short span of time.

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Forecast Track for Hurricane Milton, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

Interestingly, Hurricane Milton did not follow its projected almost directly eastward path overnight. Instead, the storm has wobbled southeastward, bringing it much closer to the Northern Yucatan Peninsula than initially forecasted. As a result, Mexican authorities have issued Hurricane Warnings, anticipating hurricane-force winds to impact the region today. The shift in track has led to a stronger storm approaching the Yucatan, further complicating forecasts and increasing the potential for damage along the coast.

This unexpected change in Milton’s path has also influenced weather models and the official forecast track from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Despite continued uncertainty regarding Milton’s precise path, the storm is now forecasted to make landfall further south than originally thought, with the Tampa Bay area now directly in its sights. The NHC predicts that Milton will curve northeastward later this afternoon, with an increase in forward speed, leading to a likely landfall on Wednesday evening.

Unfortunately, this is a worst-case scenario for Tampa Bay, as the region is still recovering from storm surge damage caused by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. Now, with Milton’s stronger winds and greater storm surge, the area faces an even more dangerous situation. With plenty of loose debris still scattered along the coast, the hurricane-force winds could easily turn these remnants into dangerous projectiles when the storm hits. The NHC is currently forecasting storm surges of 8-12 feet from the Anclote River to Englewood, including Tampa Bay itself. Due to Milton’s angle of approach, the surge could be more severe than what was seen with Helene, posing an even greater threat to life and property.

In addition to storm surge concerns, much of the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys could see 5-10 inches (127-254 mm) of rainfall, with localized totals potentially reaching 15 inches (381 mm). These heavy rains elevate the risk of flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and along rivers.

After landfall, Milton is expected to track across the Florida Peninsula and emerge into the Atlantic, where it will briefly remain a hurricane before transitioning into a post-tropical storm. However, the impacts to Florida and surrounding areas will be significant long before the storm weakens.

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Peak Storm Surge Forecast in FLorida for Hurricane Milton, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

Milton’s rapid intensification has been fuelled by its movement through an area of deep, warm waters, with sea surface temperatures exceeding 28°C, providing ample energy for the storm. Additionally, low wind shear in the region has allowed the hurricane to strengthen unhindered. However, as Milton moves further north, it is expected to encounter stronger wind shear, which should start to weaken the storm after about 24 hours as a Category 5 hurricane. Though this shear may reduce Milton’s intensity, it could also cause the storm to expand, spreading its damaging winds and heavy rains over a much larger area. The current NHC forecast suggests that Milton could make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (201 km/h).

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States of Emergency remain in place for much of Florida, with the exception of the Panhandle. Residents in the projected path are being urged to finalize their preparations while there is still time. Tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive as early as overnight Tuesday and Wednesday morning, with landfall projected for Wednesday evening. While uncertainty remains regarding Milton’s exact landfall location and strength, the potential for widespread heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges is significant.

If you or your loved ones are in the storm’s potential path, it’s crucial to stay informed, heed evacuation orders if they are issued, and follow any directives from local emergency personnel. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, so stay tuned. Your safety is the priority as Hurricane Milton approaches.

Forecast Track and Intensity of Hurricane Milton with Sea Surface Temperatures, courtesy of Tomer Burg.

Florida Braces for Second Major Hurricane Hit in Less Than Two Weeks With Milton; Tampa Area Could See Life-Threatening Storm Surge

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Forecast Track for Hurricane Milton, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

After monitoring a disturbance in the Western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico for over a week, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed the formation of Tropical Depression 14 in the Western Gulf, which quickly strengthened into Tropical Storm Milton by yesterday afternoon. Since then, Milton has continued to strengthen, with both satellite and aircraft reconnaissance data indicating a sharp increase in intensity. As of the latest update, Milton has been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (129 km/h).

What makes this storm particularly concerning is its projected path, which takes it directly toward the Tampa Bay area. If this forecast holds, Milton will be the first hurricane to make landfall in Tampa since 1996. However, what’s raising even more alarm is the potential for a greater storm surge in the Tampa area than what was seen with Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. Milton’s angle of approach is expected to produce a more severe storm surge in the region, which could compound the impact.

While the formation of hurricanes in the Western Gulf of Mexico isn’t particularly common, it’s certainly not unprecedented, especially given the exceptionally warm water temperatures the basin is currently experiencing. These conditions are ripe for storms like Milton to intensify quickly.

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As of now, Hurricane Milton is forecasted to track almost due east today and tomorrow before turning northeast late on Monday. It will remain offshore of the Yucatan Peninsula, but close enough to prompt Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings in the region. The storm is expected to pick up speed on Tuesday and Wednesday, continuing along its northeastward track, as it heads toward Florida, with landfall anticipated late Wednesday morning or early afternoon.

There’s still significant uncertainty about the storm’s exact path, especially where it will ultimately make landfall in Florida. Current model forecasts, along with the official NHC projection, suggest that Milton will make landfall north of Tampa, near the Crystal River area. If this track holds, it may spare Tampa from the worst of Milton’s winds, but the region will still face heavy rainfall and significant storm surge. Early estimates suggest up to 6 inches (152 mm) of rain and a storm surge that could reach as high as 10 feet in Tampa Bay.

It’s important to note that track forecasts this far out still have a margin of error of around 100 miles, so these projections could change over the coming days. As more data comes in, the forecast will likely be refined.

Following making landfall, Milton is expect to cross the Florida Peninsula and into the Atlantic Ocean, where it will continue briefly as a hurricane before transitioning into a post-tropical storm.

Model Forecast Tracks for hurricane Milton, Courtesy of Tomer Burg.

Milton is currently moving through an area of warm, deep waters, with sea surface temperatures above 28°C, which are providing ample fuel for the storm’s rapid intensification. Additionally, there is very little wind shear in the area, allowing Milton to strengthen even faster. Meteorologists are drawing comparisons to the rapid intensification recently seen with Hurricane Helene.

By late Monday, Hurricane Milton is expected to become a Major Hurricane, reaching at least Category 3 status. There’s still some disagreement among weather models about how strong Milton will ultimately become. Regional hurricane models are predicting a more intense storm than global models, with some even forecasting Milton to briefly reach Category 5 strength. However, these models also show that the storm may weaken slightly before making landfall, thanks to increasing shear near the Florida coastline. This shear, while helping to weaken Milton, could also cause the storm to grow in size, spreading its impacts over a much larger area.

The current NHC forecast estimates Milton will make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds in excess of 111 mph (178 km/h). However, the NHC has acknowledged that their forecast may be conservative, given the model predictions.

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In anticipation of Milton’s arrival, States of Emergency have already been declared across most of Florida, with the exception of the Panhandle. Residents in the projected path are being urged to begin making preparations, as storm surge and hurricane watches are expected to be issued later today and overnight. Emergency officials are warning that this could be Florida’s largest evacuation effort since 2017, with millions potentially in the storm’s path.

Hurricane Milton’s landfall is still a few days away, providing enough time for residents in the affected areas to make necessary preparations. While Milton’s exact track and strength at landfall remain uncertain, the threat of heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surges is significant.

If you or your loved ones are in the storm’s potential path, it’s crucial to stay informed, heed evacuation orders if they are issued, and follow any directives from local emergency personnel. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, so stay tuned. Your safety is the priority as Hurricane Milton approaches.

Forecast Intensity from different models for hurricane Milton, courtesy of Tomer Burg.

Ontario’s Potential Last Severe Thunderstorm Risk of the Year on Sunday to Usher In a Chilly Start This Week

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Get ready, Ontario! While we've been enjoying a relatively mild start to fall, aside from a few exceptions, a significant change is on the horizon. As we head into the first weekend of October, it looks like Mother Nature is gearing up to bring in more seasonally appropriate weather. But, true to Ontario's reputation, it won’t happen quietly.

The weekend so far has seen relatively calm weather across Southern Ontario, with many areas enjoying pleasant temperatures in the mid to upper teens. This marks a shift from the consistent 20°C-plus days we experienced through much of September. While it's been nice, things are about to take a turn. We’re expecting a sudden surge of warmer air on Sunday, and that warm-up could set the stage for some potentially severe weather as we move into the morning and afternoon hours.

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This brief October "heatwave" could push temperatures close to 20-25°C in Deep Southwestern Ontario and across the Golden Horseshoe. For those of you in Central and Eastern Ontario, however, don’t expect to feel much of this warmth. A stubborn pocket of cooler air is going to dig in, holding temperatures in the mid-teens across that region, keeping it much cooler than the rest of the province.

Unfortunately, this warm-up isn’t all sunshine. It will come hand-in-hand with some unsettled weather. A potentially strong line of thunderstorms is expected to cut across Southern Ontario on Sunday morning and afternoon. The latest data suggests that this line of storms could develop over Lake Huron by late morning and track eastward, making its way onshore just east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

SIMULATED RADAR @ 12 PM ON SUNDAY - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

There is still some uncertainty regarding the intensity of these storms. The early timing and limited warm air this far north may impact how severe the storms get. However, the atmosphere seems primed to support at least a marginal severe threat. We could see strong wind gusts, potentially reaching 90 km/h, and even hail up to quarter-size. There’s also a possibility that the risk level could be upgraded to slight by morning if conditions appear more favourable.

There is a low tornado risk—while it can’t be completely ruled out, the messy, linear storm structure might limit the chances of an isolated tornado forming. Still, it’s always better to stay cautious when severe weather is in the forecast.

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This line of storms will continue pushing eastward through the Golden Horseshoe and areas east of Lake Simcoe by early to mid-afternoon. There’s potential for some intensification as the day progresses, or we could even see additional storms developing in the wake of the initial line. The zone between Bancroft, Peterborough, and Durham Region, and possibly stretching into Niagara, seems to have the highest risk for severe weather, should the conditions align more favourably.

By the late afternoon, the bulk of the storm activity will shift into the United States, where further severe weather could develop over Upstate New York and Pennsylvania. As a result, the storm threat across Southern Ontario should rapidly diminish by early evening. Given the time of year and the fact that cooler weather is set to follow, it’s quite possible that this could be our last widespread severe weather event of the season.

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ESTIMATED TEMPERATURE @ 7 AM ON TUESDAY - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Speaking of cooler weather, expect a noticeable drop in temperatures as we start the new week. By Monday and Tuesday, much of Southern Ontario will feel the chill, with daytime highs struggling to climb into the mid-teens.

Central and Eastern Ontario could be even cooler, with some areas potentially stuck in single-digit highs. The nights will be even colder. On both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, some regions in Central and Eastern Ontario could dip below 0°C, bringing a risk of frost for a large portion of Southern Ontario.

At this point, we’re not expecting s-word to enter the forecast this week at least in Southern Ontario, but the cold snap will certainly make it feel like fall has truly arrived. So, if you’ve been holding off on packing away your summer wardrobe, it might be time to start thinking about those cozy sweaters and heavier jackets.

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LONG RANGE TEMPERATURE FORECAST FOR THANKSGIVING SUNDAY - NOTE: THIS WILL LIKELY CHANGE! (MAP FROM WEATHERBELL)

However, there might be some good news as we look ahead to the Thanksgiving long weekend. Early indications suggest a potential return of warmer air by next weekend, bringing with it another temperature boost. Some models hint at temperatures pushing 20°C once again in parts of Southern Ontario, which would be quite a surprise for Thanksgiving, given that we’ve seen flurries on the holiday in previous years!

It’s still too early to say for sure, though, as the forecast could change over the coming days. But for now, we’ll remain optimistic about the possibility of a pleasant, mild Thanksgiving weekend. As always, we’ll be monitoring the situation closely and will provide a more detailed Thanksgiving preview later this week.

Early October Windstorm Will Blow Across the Prairies This Weekend

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The first weekend of October is shaping up to feel like true fall across the Prairies, with a strong low-pressure system bringing powerful wind gusts of 70-100 km/h. These winds are set to begin later this afternoon and continue throughout the day on Saturday. The prolonged high winds will likely strip many trees of their remaining leaves and could pose a serious hazard to traffic, especially for transport trucks and trailers

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The windstorm will kick off in the Alberta Foothills this afternoon, quickly spreading across Southern Alberta as the evening progresses. Expect pockets of gusts exceeding 90 km/h along the QE2 corridor south of Calgary and near the American border. These intense gusts won’t last long in Alberta, though, as the winds are expected to ease overnight.

The storm will move eastward into Saskatchewan through the evening and overnight hours. By morning, the low-pressure centre will stall and the winds will intensify, leading to widespread gusts approaching, and in some areas surpassing, 100 km/h across much of Southern Saskatchewan. These fierce winds will persist into the late afternoon and early evening.

The system will push into Manitoba by late Saturday morning, with strong winds continuing throughout the day before gradually subsiding. The strongest gusts, reaching over 90 km/h, are expected in the southwest corner of the province, but many parts of Southern Manitoba will still experience significant gusts.

Temperatures will cool down a bit following this windstorm, serving as just a taste of the fall storms we can expect as the season progresses.

Fall Colours Reach Peak in Parts of Southern Ontario Heading Into First Weekend of October

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Fall colours have been slow to arrive in parts of Southern Ontario due to a relatively mild September, but as we move into the first weekend of October, the transformation is starting to take hold. Several parks are now within their 'peak' fall colours range, providing excellent viewing opportunities.

The best spots to see the vibrant colours this weekend will be in Central and Eastern Ontario, as well as Bruce County along the Lake Huron shoreline. Many parks in these areas are showing between 40-50% colour change, with some even nearing full transformation!

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Note: The above map is extrapolated using data from OntarioParks.ca, but some parks may not have updated their latest report yet. As such, the actual colour change in your area may be further along than currently reported.

All provincial parks in Southern Ontario are reporting at least 10% colour change, indicating that the seasonal shift is well underway. However, it could take another week or two for many areas to reach their 'peak.'

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s likely that much of Southern Ontario will be hitting its peak fall colours, making it the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the season during the long weekend.

For those wondering, 'peak' fall colours occur when at least 60% of the leaves have changed. Based on this, Algonquin and Mikisew Parks are officially in their peak, though this won’t last long. Mikisew is already reporting 70% of its leaves have fallen, so Algonquin might be a better option for now, with only 20% leaf fall reported.

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Several provincial parks are currently showing between 40-50% colour change, mostly in Central and Eastern Ontario:

  • Arrowhead (50%)

  • Charleston Lake (50%)

  • Frontenac (50%)

  • MacGregor Point (50%)

  • Sturgeon Bay (40%)

  • Darlington (40%)

  • Turkey Point (40%)

  • Murphys Point (40%)

  • Bon Echo (40%)

  • Silent Lake (40%)

  • Driftwood (40%)

These parks are offering good chances to catch the fall display, and since the data can be a few days old, they may already be approaching peak colours by the weekend.

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The remaining parks in Southern Ontario are reporting 20-30% colour change, especially around Lake Ontario and Southwestern Ontario near Lake Huron.

Parks like Pinery, Awenda, Presqu’ile, Forks of the Credit, and Port Burwell are still at about 10%, but with cooler fall weather settling in, this will likely change quickly in the coming days. The peak for these parks is expected to arrive in 10-15 days, just in time for Thanksgiving weekend or shortly after.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track the progress of fall colours across Southern Ontario!

‘Strong’ Geomagnetic Storm Takes Aim at Earth; Northern Lights May Dazzle the Skies Across Canada on Thursday & Friday

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One of the most powerful solar flares in recent years erupted from the sun on Tuesday evening, classified as an X7.1 flare. Initially, it was unclear whether this flare had produced a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s corona.

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However, data that came in later confirmed that a CME was indeed produced and, more importantly, appears to be Earth-directed. This means that the CME is expected to impact our planet, setting off the possibility of a ‘strong’ geomagnetic storm and potentially bringing the northern lights much farther south than usual across Canada to close out the week.

The exact timing of the CME's arrival, however, remains somewhat uncertain. Forecast models suggest it could arrive anywhere between late Thursday and early Saturday. The CME might even come in multiple waves, according to the latest data.

If this happens, we could be in for two consecutive nights of auroras lighting up the skies—if the conditions align perfectly! While the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the next couple of nights offer a decent chance to catch a breathtaking display, depending on where you are located.

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The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch, with the CME expected to reach Earth between Thursday and Saturday. Based on the latest observations, this CME could trigger G1 (minor) to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm conditions.

The SWPC’s latest forecast predicts that a 'strong' (G3) geomagnetic storm may unfold late Thursday evening into the early overnight hours, followed by a potentially more prolonged geomagnetic storm ranging from ‘moderate’ (G2) to ‘strong’ (G3) on Friday night into Saturday morning.

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A G2 to G3 storm is strong enough to make the northern lights visible across much of Canada, especially if conditions are just right. In the past, storms of this magnitude have allowed the auroras to be seen as far south as Southern Ontario, and in some cases, even into the northern United States. In fact, the SWPC notes the possibility of the auroras being visible as far south as parts of the lower Midwest and Oregon in the U.S.

That said, space weather forecasting comes with some inherent uncertainty. The exact timing of a CME’s arrival can vary, and its intensity is often unknown until a few hours before it strikes Earth. There is usually a 12- to 24-hour window for the CME’s arrival, which means that although the current forecast favours North American viewing on Thursday and Friday nights, the event could just as easily occur during daylight hours, rendering it invisible to viewers in North America and giving those in Europe a better chance at catching the show instead.

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Aside from timing, cloud cover will also be a crucial factor in determining whether you'll have a good view of the northern lights. As of now, fairly clear skies are expected across much of southern Canada on Thursday night. Specifically, areas of Atlantic Canada, Southern Quebec, and Southern Ontario are forecasted to have little to no cloud cover during the overnight hours, which is ideal for aurora viewing.

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Further north, however, there could be widespread cloud cover that might obstruct the view around James Bay in Northern Ontario and Quebec. Similarly, Northwestern Ontario could see some cloudiness, with the exception of a pocket near the International border around Thunder Bay.

In Southern Manitoba, skies look clear south of the Interlake region, though clouds will likely impact Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

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For Western Canada, Southern Saskatchewan and Southeastern Alberta are expected to have the clearest conditions. Meanwhile, much of British Columbia, along with central and northern Alberta, could see cloud cover that may limit visibility.

Check out our free app, Instant Weather for a more in-depth cloud coverage forecast specific to your exact location.

If you’re planning to watch for the auroras, another factor working in your favour this time around is the moon phase. Unlike last month’s aurora event, the moon is currently near 0% full, as we’ve just had a new moon on Tuesday night. This means that there won’t be any moonlight competing with the northern lights, making it easier to spot even faint auroras.

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When it comes to where the northern lights might be visible, it all depends on the strength of the geomagnetic storm and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. Historically, during a 'strong' (G3) storm, auroras are most visible across northern Canada, including Northern Quebec, Far Northern Ontario, the Prairies, and parts of British Columbia. In these regions, the northern lights could be visible overhead and bright enough to see with the naked eye.

In southern regions, including Northeastern Ontario (Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and North Bay), as well as parts of Quebec, there’s a chance of seeing the auroras overhead or just above the horizon.

This could extend into northern parts of Southern Ontario, including Muskoka, Algonquin Park, and the Ottawa Valley. However, depending on the storm's strength, auroras may only be visible along the northern horizon, and you might need a camera to capture them, as they may not be strong enough for the naked eye.

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For the rest of Southern Ontario and into Atlantic Canada, if the auroras appear, they will likely be on the northern horizon. Here, too, you may need a camera or smartphone to capture the lights, as they may be too faint to see without assistance.

Remember, light pollution can greatly impact your ability to see the northern lights, especially in urban areas. For the best viewing experience, it’s essential to get away from city lights. A resource like DarkSiteFinder can help you locate areas with low light pollution for optimal aurora viewing.

Northern Lights Timing

Many are accustomed to the precise scheduling of weather events, from thunderstorms and winter weather to solar eclipses, where timing is crucial. It’s understandable, then, that there’s a desire for a similar pinpoint timing for the best viewing of the aurora. However, the reality of predicting the best time to view the northern lights is not so straightforward.

Here’s the deal: Unlike weather events driven by terrestrial conditions, the aurora is influenced by solar activity, which is far less predictable. We can estimate that the northern lights are best viewed from just after sunset to just before sunrise, provided the skies are dark and clear. Beyond that, precise timing for peak aurora activity is challenging to forecast with current technology.

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Space weather forecasting doesn't yet allow us to predict exactly when solar energy will impact Earth. We know it's coming, but how and when it interacts with our planet's magnetic field can vary. Often, we only have a few hours' notice before the solar energy is detected by satellites.

Furthermore, the intensity of the northern lights can fluctuate significantly over short periods. You might have noticed this variance if you've observed the lights before—periods of dim activity suddenly bursting into vibrant colors. This is due to the variable concentration of solar particles interacting with our atmosphere.

While we can inform you a few hours ahead when conditions are likely to be good, predicting the exact peak of aurora activity is akin to forecasting the peak of a meteor shower; we know the best night but not the best hour.

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After Devastating the Southeastern United States, Is Helene Coming to Canada?

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Satellite Image of tropical storm Helene from September 27th at 10:21am EDT, Courtesy of Colorado state university.

After making landfall as a major Category 4 Hurricane late last night and its subsequent path of destruction across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, many in Ontario are wondering if we will feel the impacts of Helene closer to home over the weekend. Helene has since weakened to a tropical storm, but it remains a massive storm with far reaching impacts.

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Helene has made its way well inland over the past 12 hours, with its low pressure centre currently situated over the Southern Appalachians. Despite still being located so far south, light cloud cover from the storm has made its way into Southwestern Ontario and the Niagara Region. This cloud cover has been responsible for a fabulous display of sun halos across the region this morning!

The storm will continue to gradually track to the northwest this afternoon before stalling out over the Tennessee Valley overnight, where it will encounter and merge with another low. The lack of motion in the storm will unfortunately bring even more rainfall and further exacerbate the extreme flooding and landslide situation already being seen throughout the Southern Appalachians and bring that into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.

In Ontario, the cloud cover from Helene will push deeper into the province this afternoon and light rain can be expected in Southwestern Ontario, from Windsor through London and into Niagara, beginning overnight tonight and continuing through the weekend. Much of the rest of Southern Ontario can expect a dreary weekend as the cloud cover settles in.

The storm will actually travel in a loop, known as the Fujiwhara Effect, while it merges with the second low and by Sunday, it is expected to finally start moving eastward towards the Atlantic and then northeastward along the Eastern Seaboard, where it expected to begin to dissipate.

Forecast Tracks from different models for Helene, Courtesy of Tomer Burg.

"Catastrophic and Potentially Unsurvivable" Major Hurricane Helene Set to Make Landfall in Florida Late Thursday

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Satellite Image of Hurricane Helene from September 26th at 2:02Pm EDT, Courtesy of Tropical Tidbits.

Hurricane Helene continued its intensification overnight, strengthening to a Category 2 Hurricane this morning and then to a Category 3 Hurricane this afternoon, with a clearly formed eye and estimated sustained wind speeds of 120mph (195km/h). Tropical storm-force winds are already being felt across Southwest Florida along with storm surge causing inland flooding in coastal communities. The storm will continue to strengthen throughout the day and pick up speed as it makes its final approach for landfall along the Big Bend Coast as a Major Hurricane.

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There has been little change to the forecast track from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) over the last 24 hours. Hurricane Helene made its projected north-northeastward turn and it will continue along that track before making a final turn northward this afternoon before landfall later this evening.

While the exact location of landfall remains unclear, it appears that will occur in Apalachee Bay. The NHC has stated that in comparison to previous hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in the past decades, Helene is on the larger size and as such, its impacts will be very widespread, especially on the east side of the eye. While the massive wind field will bring tropical storm-force winds across the entire state of Florida, hurricane-force winds will be within the eyewall, along the Big Bend Coast, arriving slightly ahead of landfall this evening. These devastating hurricane-force winds are expected to be at least 120mph (195km/h) sustained with even stronger gusts expected.

Inundating rainfall causing widespread flooding is also a major concern with Hurricane Helene across Florida with over 5 inches (127mm) of rain expected along the Big Bend Coast and 2 inches (51mm) along the rest of the Gulf Coast of Florida, with lesser amounts further inland. Rainfall totals in the Apalachicola region could easily exceed 8 inches (203mm).

Along with intense winds and flooding rainfall, the biggest threat will be, to quote the NHC “catastophic and potentially unsurvivable storm surge”, particularly for the Apalachee Bay. The storm surge has already started to appear throughout the entire Florida Gulf Coast and the water levels will continue to increase as Hurricane Helene makes its final approach. Peak storm surge levels exceeding 10ft are expected from Apalachicola to Chassahowitzka and up to 20ft is possible from Carrabelle to Suwannee River.

These factors all combined have prompted widespread Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings, evacuations, and States of Emergencies throughout the entire state of Florida and beyond.

Forecast Track for Hurricane Helene, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

With the speed and strength that Hurricane Helene will continue to gain, its impacts will be felt deep inland into the Southern Appalachians with damaging winds and intense rainfall.

Tropical storm-force winds are expected throughout Georgia and into the higher terrains of the mountains which will easily bring down trees and power lines, resulting in widespread power outages, as well as damage to property.

The Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont Region of Northern Georgia, Eastern Tennessee, and the Western Carolinas are also possibly looking at receiving up to 15 inches (381mm) of rain by the end of the weekend as the storm is expected to stall beginning late Friday over the Tennessee Valley. This much rain will bring a high risk of urban and flash flooding and landslides across the region. Meteorologists have already started to compare this to the 1916 flooding event in the Asheville, South Carolina area and impacts are expected to be greater than those from Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 and Hurricanes Frances and Ivan in 2004.

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Helene will remain in an ideal environment for continued strengthening as it makes its final approach before landfall. It’s still located in an area with relatively low shear, strong upper-level divergence, as well as 30°C sea surface temperatures and warmth that extends deep below the surface. These conditions will allow the storm to further intensify from its current strength to a like high-end Category 3 Hurricane with isolated Category 4 level wind gusts.

There is still a bit of time before the storm hits to take necessary precautions to protect life and property. If you or your loved ones are in the path of the storm, please heed all directives from emergency personnel and stay safe!

Forecast Track and Intensity of Hurricane helene with Sea Surface Temperatures, courtesy of Tomer Burg.

Rapid Intensification of Helene to a Major Hurricane Expected in the Gulf as it Approaches Florida

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Satellite Image of Hurricane Helene from September 25th at 11:26Am EDT, Courtesy of Colorado State University.

Tropical Storm Helene became a Category 1 Hurricane this morning as it continues to track offshore of the Yucatan Peninsula with maximum flight-level wind gusts measured at 81 knots (93mph or 150km/h) by recon flights. Based on this data, it is estimated that the maximum surface winds are 70 knots (81mph or 130 km/h). This is only the beginning of the strengthening of this storm as it is expected to rapidly intensify over the next 24 hours into a major Category 3 Hurricane as it bears down on the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend Coast.

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The latest forecast track from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) shows that Helene is expected to turn northward and then north-northeastward later today and it will maintain that track as it makes landfall in Florida as a Major Hurricane.

At this point, it is still a bit too early to predict the exact location that Helene will make landfall along the Florida coast, but given the sheer size of the storm, the impacts will be widespread across the state. The storm has a massive wind field and tropical storm-force winds are already pushing their way into the Keys. These strong winds will gradually make their presence known further northward throughout the evening and overnight tonight, reaching the Panhandle tomorrow morning. Winds will increase in strength as the storm makes its final approach, with devastating hurricane-force wind gusts up to 125mph (200 km/h) projected for areas closest to where the storm will make landfall.

Inundating rainfall causing widespread flooding is also a major concern with Hurricane Helene across Florida with over 5 inches (127mm) of rain expected along the coast and lesser amounts of under 2 inches (51mm) further inland. Rainfall totals could easily exceed 10 inches (254mm) throughout the Panhandle.

Along with intense winds and flooding rainfall, life-threatening storm surge is expected along the entire Gulf Coast of Florida and the Big Bend Coast could see water levels exceeding 10ft. These factors all combined have prompted widespread Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings, evacuations, and States of Emergencies in almost every county in the state.

Forecast Track for Hurricane Helene, Courtesy of The National Hurricane Center.

Beyond landfall, the storm is expected to pack quite a punch through the rest of the Southeast and into the Ohio Valley with intense winds and heavy rainfall.

The destructive wind gusts will push their way well inland into Southern Georgia and even as far north as the Southern Appalachians. These strong winds will easily bring down trees and power lines, resulting in widespread power outages, as well as damage to property.

The Blue Ridge Mountain and Piedmont Regions of Northern Georgia and the Western Carolinas are also possibly looking at receiving up 12 inches (305mm) of rain by the end of the weekend as the storm is expected to stall beginning late Friday. This much rain will bring the risk of flooding and landslides across the region.

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Helene will remain in an ideal environment over the next 24 hours with sea surface temperatures above 30°C, relatively low shear, and strong upper-level divergence, all key for rapid intensification of a tropical storm/hurricane. There is a bit of uncertainty of exactly how strong Hurricane Helene will become, with some weather models suggesting it could reach Category 4 strength, however, it is increasingly likely that it will make landfall as a Category 3 Hurricane.

It is not too late to take necessary precautions to protect life and property ahead of this storm. If you or your loved ones are in the path of the storm, please heed all directives from emergency personnel and stay safe!

Forecast Track and Intensity of Hurricane helene with Sea Surface Temperatures, courtesy of Tomer Burg.

Isolated Storms Could Bring Tornado Risk to Central Ontario and GTA on Wednesday

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As we near the end of what has been a relatively quiet month for weather across Southern Ontario, we’ve been locked in a pattern of calm conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures. But now, as we enter the first week of autumn, a shift is on the horizon!

Rainy weather has returned across much of Southern Ontario over the past few days, and unsettled conditions are expected to continue into Wednesday. There’s also potential for severe weather during the late morning, extending into the afternoon.

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RAINFALL WARNING (IN GREEN) ISSUED BY ENVIRONMENT cANADA

We’re already seeing pockets of heavy rain and thunderstorms overnight, which are expected to persist until sunrise. Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for some areas, where localized amounts of up to 50 mm are possible.

While it's uncertain, some models indicate a slight tornado risk in the morning, particularly around the Golden Horseshoe and Niagara Region. Though this is unlikely, it’s still worth noting.

The timing of when these overnight storms clear out will be key in determining the risk for later in the morning and afternoon. According to the latest models, most storms should dissipate by sunrise, allowing the atmosphere to become more unstable heading into the late morning.

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From around 11 AM through early afternoon, conditions could become favorable for isolated thunderstorms. The strongest setup is expected around Lake Simcoe, extending into the Muskoka and Haliburton regions.

While most storms are expected to remain non-severe, there is a chance of isolated tornadoes, along with marginally severe wind gusts and hail up to the size of quarters.

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The Greater Toronto Area and Niagara Region are under a marginal risk for severe weather, primarily due to the potential for an isolated tornado during the afternoon and early evening. This marginal tornado risk also extends into Algonquin Park and parts of southwestern Quebec.

It’s important to keep in mind that this forecast has a high bust potential—some models show little storm development during peak hours of instability. This forecast assumes storms will develop during the afternoon, but we may need to update and downgrade the risk in the morning if it looks less likely that storms will form.

First Day of Autumn Arrives as Central and Eastern Ontario Approaches Peak Fall Colours

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As we entered September, it seemed like Mother Nature was eager to shift from summer to fall, with temperatures dropping to near freezing and even some northern areas witnessing the first snowflakes of the season.

But since then, the weather has taken a complete 180. Over the past few weeks, Southern Ontario has experienced a consistent pattern of above-seasonal temperatures and minimal precipitation. This unusual warmth for this time of year has slowed down the transition to fall colours across the region.

With the Autumn Equinox taking place early Sunday morning, we are officially in autumn, both meteorologically and astronomically. As we move deeper into the season, we’re starting to see some notable shifts in fall foliage, especially in Central and Eastern Ontario, according to the latest data.

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If you're looking to catch the fall colours this week, your best bet is to head to higher elevations in Central and Eastern Ontario. Provincial parks such as Mikisew, Algonquin, and Bon Echo are reporting that around 40% of the leaves have started their transformation. The higher elevations experience slightly cooler overnight temperatures, which accelerates the colour change compared to other areas.

Note: The above map is extrapolated using data from OntarioParks.ca, but some parks may not have updated their latest report yet. As such, the actual colour change in your area may be further along than currently reported.

The ‘peak’ fall colours occur when at least 60% of the leaves have changed. With these parks now at 40%, we’re likely just a week or two away from peak viewing, perhaps as early as next weekend.

We’re also seeing some colour change along the Bruce Peninsula and throughout many parks in Central and Eastern Ontario, where about 30% of leaves have started changing. This includes parks like Sauble Falls, Arrowhead, Sturgeon Bay, Silent Lake, Frontenac, and Murphys Point.

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For the rest of Southern Ontario, there is some minor colour change being reported, with 10-20% of leaves beginning to turn. However, peak colours are still several weeks away in these areas.

An important note: The calm weather over the past few weeks has allowed trees to hold onto most of their leaves. Without any significant wind events, the leaf fall percentage is averaging around 10-20%. If these calm conditions continue, we should see a vibrant display of colours in the weeks ahead.

Looking at the medium to long range forecast, we’re expecting slightly above-seasonal temperatures to continue through the rest of September. This could mean peak fall colours might arrive later than usual this year, although it’s hard to say for certain. We do anticipate more active weather this week, with several rounds of heavy rain possible, which could potentially knock some leaves off the trees.

Late Season Storms Bring a Slight Severe Risk for Southern Saskatchewan Tuesday Evening and Through Wednesday Morning

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As we continue later into September, it seems that summer is still hanging on, with some active weather this morning and into the afternoon and additional stronger severe storms beginning later this evening that will continue into Wednesday morning. The combined wind, hail, and tornado threat from the impending storms has resulted in a Slight Risk for a large portion of Southern Saskatchewan.

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The storms will start to develop as individual cells along the border in the early to mid-evening in Southwest Saskatchewan. This will be followed by a line of storms from south of the border that will make their way northward into the province later in the evening and into the overnight hours. A final round of storms is expected to arrive a few hours later, spreading much further north into Central Saskatchewan and weakening later into the morning. Due to the positioning of the low pressure that these storms will the centred around, areas closer to the Alberta border could see steady moderate rainfall lasting throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening.

These storms are expected to produce hail that could be larger than a toonie, along with damaging wind gusts upwards of 100km/h, and the possibility of one or two tornadoes. There is also the concern of localized flooding, particularly further west, where the storms and the subsequent extended period of rainfall could bring up to 100mm of rain.

Slight Risk for Severe Thunderstorms in Southern Manitoba This Afternoon and Into Tuesday Morning

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Following some morning and early afternoon rain, Southern Manitoba can expect more active weather with severe thunderstorms beginning this afternoon and continuing into Tuesday morning. The possibility of large hail and flooding caused by heavy downpours make this a Slight Risk in Southeast and South-Central Manitoba.

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The activity will begin this afternoon with a line of storms pushing northeastward into the region from North Dakota. Development of further storms will continue through the evening and into the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday, resulting in some locations seeing multiple rounds of thunderstorms. The storms that develop later into the evening could be more organized and are expected to be stronger that the afternoon storms.

These storms may bring some large hail, up to the size of a timbit, as well heavy rains that could result in areas of localized flooding. There will be some strong wind gusts that are expected to top out in the 90-100 km/h range and the possibility of an isolated tornado can not be completely ruled out.

Eyes to the Sky! Northern Lights Could Make an Appearance Across Canada on Monday

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A powerful solar flare, reaching an impressive X4.5 rating, erupted on Saturday, sending an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) into space. This CME is expected to impact our planet, sparking geomagnetic storm conditions that could bring the northern lights much farther south than usual across Canada on Monday.

As with most space weather events, there is some uncertainty regarding the exact timing of the CME's arrival. According to the latest data, the strongest storm conditions are anticipated during the mid to late morning hours on Monday, gradually weakening throughout the day. This suggests the best viewing opportunity for the auroras may occur in the pre-dawn hours, particularly in Western Canada.

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However, this isn’t set in stone. Space weather forecasting can be tricky, and the CME might arrive later than expected, which would actually be the ideal outcome for North American skywatchers. A delayed arrival could mean a spectacular display of the northern lights over large portions of the country on Monday night.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is forecasting a "strong" geomagnetic storm (G3 on a scale of 5) to develop sometime on Monday. A G3 storm is potent enough to make the northern lights visible across much of Canada, provided the conditions align just right.

Historically, storms of this strength have allowed auroras to be seen as far south as Southern Ontario, and sometimes even into northern parts of the United States. In fact, the SWPC mentions the possibility of auroras being visible as far south as Pennsylvania and Iowa.

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Based on the SWPC’s latest forecast, the geomagnetic storm is expected to peak between 5 AM and 11 AM EDT (2 AM to 8 AM PDT). A moderate (G2) storm is projected to continue through the day, potentially lasting until 11 PM EDT (8 PM PDT).

If this timing holds, the best chances to witness the northern lights would be in Western Canada during the early morning hours on Monday, when the storm is at its peak. Unfortunately, for those in Ontario and Quebec, the storm may hit after sunrise, reducing the likelihood of a good aurora display.

That said, if the CME arrives later in the day, it could extend the storm into Monday night, offering a better chance for Eastern Canada to catch the auroras, assuming clear skies.

IMAGE FROM WeatherBell

Speaking of skies, Monday night’s cloud forecast looks promising for much of Canada. The latest model shows most areas should have a good view, with only Southeastern Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Northern Quebec facing potential cloud cover that might obscure the show.

Southern Saskatchewan and Northern Alberta may see patchy clouds but could have breaks offering decent aurora visibility. For Southern Ontario, Quebec, and most of Western Canada, skies are expected to remain clear.

Check out our free app, Instant Weather for a more in-depth cloud coverage forecast specific to your exact location.

Another potential issue will be the full moon leading to the possibility of the northern lights appearing more dim and harder to spot. However, if the storm is as strong as forecasted, there still should be some chance to capture the show despite the bright moon.

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Northern regions of Canada, especially Northern Quebec, the Prairies and British Columbia, are almost guaranteed to see the northern lights, except for areas in Southwestern BC near Vancouver where visibility is less certain.

Zooming into more southern regions, the likelihood of seeing auroras becomes more variable. Northeastern Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and North Bay, along with Western and Northern Quebec, have a strong chance of aurora sightings.

In Central Ontario, places like Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Bancroft, and the Ottawa Valley also have a moderate chance, as do areas around Montreal. However, the timing of the storm’s arrival remains a key factor—if it’s delayed and peaks closer to sunset, a G3 storm would likely provide an opportunity for these regions to witness the lights.

In Southwestern Ontario, the Golden Horseshoe, and southern Quebec near the American border, the probability becomes more uncertain. There’s a low to slight chance of auroras being visible here, depending on whether the storm overperforms or peaks later in the night.

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It’s important to keep in mind that light pollution can drastically affect your ability to see the northern lights. Urban areas, in particular, can drown out the skies, so you’ll need to find a dark spot away from city lights for the best chance to see the show. A resource like DarkSiteFinder can help you locate areas with low light pollution for optimal aurora viewing.

Northern Lights Timing

Many are accustomed to the precise scheduling of weather events, from thunderstorms and winter weather to solar eclipses, where timing is crucial. It’s understandable, then, that there’s a desire for a similar pinpoint timing for the best viewing of the aurora. However, the reality of predicting the best time to view the northern lights is not so straightforward.

Here’s the deal: Unlike weather events driven by terrestrial conditions, the aurora is influenced by solar activity, which is far less predictable. We can estimate that the northern lights are best viewed from just after sunset to just before sunrise, provided the skies are dark and clear. Beyond that, precise timing for peak aurora activity is challenging to forecast with current technology.

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Space weather forecasting doesn't yet allow us to predict exactly when solar energy will impact Earth. We know it's coming, but how and when it interacts with our planet's magnetic field can vary. Often, we only have a few hours' notice before the solar energy is detected by satellites.

Furthermore, the intensity of the northern lights can fluctuate significantly over short periods. You might have noticed this variance if you've observed the lights before—periods of dim activity suddenly bursting into vibrant colors. This is due to the variable concentration of solar particles interacting with our atmosphere.

While we can inform you a few hours ahead when conditions are likely to be good, predicting the exact peak of aurora activity is akin to forecasting the peak of a meteor shower; we know the best night but not the best hour.

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Smoky Skies Ahead as Upper-Level Wildfire Smoke Sets In Across Ontario

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Over the weekend, Ontario experienced an early taste of late fall weather, with flurries making an appearance in parts of Northern Ontario. Meanwhile, out west, temperatures have been heating up, fuelling a resurgence of wildfire activity.

Now, this same weather pattern has shifted into Ontario, bringing rising temperatures along with increased wildfire smoke from out west including fires in Saskatchewan and Alberta. With a stagnant air mass in place, the smoke is expected to linger over the next few days.

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The good news is that most of this smoke will remain high in the atmosphere, resulting in limited impacts on air quality. However, some minor smoke may reach the surface, which could affect those sensitive to air pollution. The most noticeable effect of the smoke will be at sunrise and sunset, creating a striking orange-red hue in the sky.

MODEL MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

We began seeing smoke move into the region late Wednesday, and it’s expected to thicken overnight into Thursday. By sunrise, two pockets of heavy smoke are forecast over Southern and Northwestern Ontario.

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MODEL MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Throughout Thursday, the smoke will continue to blanket the skies, with the densest areas concentrated over Northern, Central and Eastern Ontario. Expect a stunning sunset on Thursday evening—perfect for photography!

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MODEL MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

By Friday morning, the air mass will begin to shift westward, gradually clearing the smoke near the Manitoba border. However, Northeastern and Southern Ontario will likely remain under smoky conditions through Friday.

The heaviest smoke on Friday is expected along the Lake Superior and Georgian Bay shorelines.

Aside from the smoke, conditions will be ideal for this time of year, with above-average temperatures settling in across Ontario. This warm trend is expected to continue in the short term, with mild temperatures forecast into next week.

Snowy Surprise: Parts of Ontario & Quebec Could See Season’s First Snowflakes This Weekend

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As we enter the first full weekend of meteorological fall, Mother Nature is set to deliver a taste of autumn across Ontario and Quebec. A brief blast of cold air will cause temperatures to drop near the freezing mark during the pre-dawn hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Precipitation currently affecting Southern Ontario is expected to linger throughout the weekend. The heaviest rainfall totals are expected overnight Friday into early Saturday in Eastern Ontario, with localized amounts of 20-40 mm of rain possible.

The bigger story is when that precipitation wraps around into Western Quebec and Northeastern Ontario later on Saturday, continuing into the early morning hours of Sunday. With temperatures cooling into the low single digits and even colder air aloft, some of that precipitation may fall as wet snow.

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It appears that locations like Timmins, Cochrane, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Deep River, and Algonquin Park in Ontario could see their first snowflakes of the season. In Quebec, areas such as Ville-Marie, Rouyn-Noranda, Amos, and Val-d'Or may also experience wet snow.

While it's unlikely that snow will accumulate, as it will be mixed with rain and ground surfaces are still too warm, there's a chance that colder-than-expected conditions could lead to a few slushy centimetres in some areas. Any accumulation will melt quickly after sunrise on Sunday as temperatures gradually rise.

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Speaking of Sunday morning, this is when the coldest air of this brief "cold snap" is expected across Ontario and Quebec. Morning lows will likely drop into the single digits across much of Northern and Southern Ontario and Quebec. In Northeastern Ontario and the Algonquin Park region, temperatures could dip to near freezing during the pre-dawn hours, increasing the risk of frost in addition to the potential for wet snow.

Further south, the coldest temperatures in Southern Ontario will be in the higher elevations of Central Ontario, east of Muskoka, where temperatures may plunge to around 2-5°C. It will be moderately warmer in Southwestern Ontario, the Golden Horseshoe, and Eastern Ontario, with morning lows ranging from 5-10°C. Those along the shorelines of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay will benefit from the warmer lake waters, keeping temperatures above 10°C.

In Quebec, expect low to mid-single-digit temperatures in the western portion of the province near the Ontario border on Sunday morning. Eastern Quebec, including Montréal and Québec City, will see lows in the upper single digits, ranging from 6-12°C.

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WATERSPOUT RISK FOR GREAT LAKES ON SATURDAY MORNING (SORUCE: ICWR)

This cold air will also contribute to a potential waterspout outbreak over the Great Lakes this weekend. The highest risk is on Saturday, especially in the morning and afternoon, with a focus on Southern Lake Huron and Western Lake Erie. Waterspouts are also possible over Southern Georgian Bay, Western Lake Ontario, and even Lake Simcoe.

While waterspouts rarely threaten land, they can be hazardous for those on the water. In rare cases, waterspouts can come ashore, causing minor damage along the immediate shoreline.

The waterspout risk will persist into Sunday, with a focus on Eastern Lake Ontario.

Looking ahead to next week, warmer weather is expected to return to Ontario and Quebec. By late in the week, temperatures could climb back near the 30°C mark in Southern Ontario. So, while this brief taste of fall may be shocking, it looks like summer isn't quite finished yet.

Stormy Start to Long Weekend in Southern Ontario With Potential Severe Risk on Friday

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As we kick off the Labour Day long weekend, traditionally seen as the unofficial end of summer in Southern Ontario, we're keeping an eye on the potential for some active weather on Friday.

Friday is likely to be the warmest day of the long weekend, with temperatures soaring into the mid to high 20s during the afternoon, and the humidex making it feel into the 30s. The only exception is Eastern Ontario, where daytime highs will peak in the low to mid 20s.

This warm air will fuel thunderstorms expected to develop later in the afternoon and continue into the evening hours. The main risk zone covers Southwestern Ontario along the Lake Huron shoreline, but parts of the Golden Horseshoe and Central Ontario could also see some severe storms.

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Based on the latest model data, instability will increase throughout the afternoon as daytime heating builds energy in the atmosphere. Earlier data suggested that storm development might be delayed until late evening or even overnight, which would significantly reduce the available environment to fuel these storms.

However, the newest model data shows storm development occurring much earlier, as soon as 4-5 PM—right during the prime time when conditions are most favorable. Most models agree on storms developing over Lake Huron in the late afternoon, then moving ashore between Owen Sound and Goderich. Initially, storms are likely to be isolated but could merge into a cluster as they track eastward through Grey and Bruce counties along the southern shoreline of Georgian Bay.

Additional storm development is possible to the southwest around Windsor, Sarnia, Grand Bend, and London, where the environment is actually stronger than in the north. Although there's lower confidence in storm development here, any storms that do form could become quite severe, with all hazards on the table, including a risk of an isolated tornado.

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Looking towards the evening, the earlier cluster of storms is expected to reach the Lake Simcoe region by early evening. By this time, the storms will likely have lost some intensity but could still pose a marginal wind damage risk through the northern GTA and parts of Central Ontario, including Simcoe County, Muskoka, and the Kawartha Lakes region.

Storms are likely to linger into the early overnight hours across Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe. There are indications of a flooding risk, with storms ‘training’—where multiple storms move over the same area like a train—leading to significant rainfall amounts. It’s unclear exactly where these storms might set up, but if they occur over urban areas that are more prone to flash flooding, significant flooding could occur overnight on Friday.

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Currently, we’re going with a ‘slight’ (level 2/5) risk for severe storms in Southwestern Ontario on Friday. This is driven by the potential for fairly widespread damaging wind gusts. Hail up to the size of quarters and an isolated tornado risk are also possible hazards. We may need to introduce a more targeted ‘strong’ (level 3/5) risk zone in an updated forecast if confidence increases in where the storms will develop.

For those in Central Ontario and around the Golden Horseshoe, we’re assigning a ‘marginal’ (level 1/5) risk, mainly due to the potential for 90 km/h wind gusts later in the evening, along with flash flooding from multiple rounds of storms. While the tornado risk isn’t zero, it will be less of a concern by the time the storms reach these areas.

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Summer’s Last Hurrah as Heat Returns to Southern Ontario & Conditional Strong Severe Threat on Tuesday

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Ready or not, the end of summer is rapidly approaching, with just one week left before students head back to school. Signs of autumn are already peeking through, with Environment Canada issuing a frost advisory last week in Northern Ontario, and of course, the arrival of pumpkin spice latte season!

However, it seems that Mother Nature has decided to give us one last taste of mid-summer weather. The start of this final week has brought steamy conditions, with warmer air making it feel like the 30s or even low 40s in some areas thanks to the humidex.

Along with the return of hot temperatures, we can expect some active weather, with multiple rounds of thunderstorms likely on Tuesday, possibly extending into Wednesday. While there is some uncertainty regarding the exact strength and timing of these storms, there is a risk that some could reach severe levels, bringing damaging wind gusts, large hail, and the potential for one or two tornadoes.

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As mentioned, the dynamics of Tuesday’s storm risk remain highly conditional on timing. Some models suggest that decaying thunderstorm activity from Michigan could track into Southwestern and Central Ontario during the morning hours. If this occurs, it could deplete the atmospheric energy needed for storms later in the day when conditions are more favourable.

It's important to highlight that the potential for a "bust" in this event is moderately high, which is why we're focusing on the overall storm threat based on the environment, should storms develop.

The strongest conditions are expected along the southeastern shoreline of Lake Huron, extending into Deep Southwestern Ontario during the afternoon and evening hours. Storms could begin developing anytime between 12-1 PM and continue until sunset around 8 PM.

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There is higher confidence in storm development further northeast around Lake Simcoe and into Central Ontario, though the environment isn't as strong in these areas. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and early evening could impact the North Bay, Muskoka, Parry Sound, and Algonquin Park regions, with flash flooding being the primary concern.

In addition to the daytime storm risk, there are indications of a nocturnal storm risk around midnight, continuing into the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday. A strong line of storms could form over Michigan or Lake Huron and track across Southern Ontario. However, this will depend on earlier storms and how much energy remains in the atmosphere.

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Regarding expected storm hazards, we're assigning a 'strong' risk (level 3 out of 5) for parts of Southwestern Ontario, including Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, Grand Bend, and London, based on the potential for widespread wind damage—again, this is conditional on storm development. Large hail up to the size of toonies and one or two tornadoes are also possible threats.

There is a widespread 'slight' risk for the rest of Southwestern Ontario and into Central Ontario. All storm hazards are possible, including strong wind gusts, large hail, and an isolated tornado. As mentioned, storms in Central Ontario could bring a flash flooding threat, with rainfall totals potentially reaching 100 to 150mm in the hardest-hit locations.

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Further east, the Golden Horseshoe and a portion of Eastern Ontario are under a 'marginal' risk, where some storms later in the day or overnight could approach severe limits, primarily due to strong wind gusts and hail up to the size of quarters.