Govind Tekale
Severe weather alerts across eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, were lifted Monday afternoon following an intense system of thunderstorms that brought heavy rain and tornado warnings to the region.
Environment Canada ended all severe thunderstorm warnings for Ottawa and surrounding areas by late afternoon on July 7, 2025, after tracking a line of powerful storms that moved through the area. The weather agency had issued tornado warnings for communities south of Ottawa around 3:20 p.m., including Merrickville, Kemptville, and areas along the St. Lawrence River between Morrisburg and Long Sault.
The tornado warnings lasted approximately 30 minutes before being lifted around 4:00 p.m. as the storm system weakened or moved eastward. Meteorologists had tracked a severe thunderstorm near Jasper, outside of Smiths Falls, that was capable of producing a tornado and moving northeast at 55 km/h. By 4:00 p.m., that same storm had picked up speed near Oxford Station, moving east at 80 km/h.
“If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately,” Environment Canada had advised during the warnings.
Significant rainfall accompanied the storms, with Environment Canada reporting 25.1 millimetres at the Ottawa Airport and 33 millimetres at the Gatineau Airport between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. This heavy precipitation raised concerns about flash flooding and reduced visibility for drivers throughout the region.
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The weather system created challenging conditions on area highways, with heavy downpours reported on the Highway 401 and 416 intersection as the storms passed through. Carleton University remained open with operations running as scheduled but encouraged students, faculty, and staff to exercise caution when traveling to and around campus.
Monday’s unsettled weather provided a brief respite from recent heat, with temperatures reaching 22°C but feeling like 30°C with the humidity. Weather experts explain that these hot, humid conditions create an atmosphere highly conducive to severe thunderstorm development.
Meteorologist Steve Flisfeder from Environment Canada noted that the high temperatures and persistent humidity experienced across Ontario and Quebec have created an environment favorable for thunderstorm development. This pattern aligns with forecasts predicting above-seasonal temperatures to continue throughout July and August.
Throughout the weather event, authorities emphasized critical safety measures. Environment Canada repeatedly advised residents to take cover immediately if threatening weather approached, stressing the dangers posed by strong wind gusts, large hail, and potential flash floods. People were urged to seek shelter in the lowest floor of their homes, away from windows, and to avoid temporary structures like mobile homes and tents.
The weather agency’s standard safety advice, “When thunder roars, go indoors,” was reinforced throughout public messaging.
While the immediate severe weather threat has passed for Ottawa, the experience highlights growing concerns about extreme weather preparedness. Ryan Ness of the Canadian Climate Institute recently commented on Canada’s readiness for what he described as a “new reality” of flash flooding and severe storms, drawing parallels to recent deadly floods in Texas.
Environment Canada encourages the public to remain vigilant during severe weather season and report severe weather via email at [email protected] or through social media using the hashtag #ONStorm. These reports help meteorologists track and respond to dangerous weather conditions as they develop.
Looking ahead, Ottawa can expect continued warm and humid conditions for the remainder of July, with temperatures hovering above seasonal averages.
