WEST CARLETON – Environment Canada is advising temperature swings are expected to create favourable conditions for thunderstorms this afternoon (July 7).

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening,” Environment Canada released in a statement at 3 p.m. “These thunderstorms may be capable of producing strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h, nickel size hail and heavy rain.”

Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

Meanwhile the heat advisory in the Valley continues.

“A heat event will continue into Saturday,” Environment Canada said. “A hot and humid airmass is expected to remain in place into Saturday. Daytime maximum temperatures into the low 30s with humidex values near 40 degrees Celsius can be expected this afternoon. Overnight minimum temperatures will remain near 20 degrees providing little relief.”

On Saturday temperatures are expected to remain near 30 degrees with humidex values in the upper 30s; however, with the passage of a cold front, cooler temperatures and lower humidity is expected for the remainder of the weekend.