UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm watch has ended.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Chatham-Kent early Tuesday morning, with forecasters warning of potentially hazardous conditions as storms move into the region.
Environment Canada placed the area under a yellow-level watch at 5:33 a.m. EDT, citing a high degree of confidence that severe thunderstorms could develop.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” the alert states.
The weather system is expected to arrive early this morning, with thunderstorms currently over lower Michigan forecast to cross the border near 6 a.m. before tracking east across the region.
Meteorologists warn the storms could bring “up to toonie size hail,” along with torrential downpours and frequent lightning.
“Driving conditions may be difficult,” the alert notes, adding that heavy rain may lead to flash flooding and significantly reduced visibility.
Residents are urged to take precautions as the storms approach.
“When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Secure loose objects,” the statement says.
Emergency Management Ontario advises residents to seek shelter immediately if threatening weather develops.
Officials say severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for storms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or heavy rain, and are encouraging residents to continue monitoring updates from Environment Canada.
Storm reports can be submitted by email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or shared on social media using #ONStorm.
Today – March 31, 2026
Mainly cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers this morning and early this afternoon. Showers beginning this afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm. Local amount 10 mm. Wind southwest 40 km/h gusting to 60. High 22. UV index 6 or high.
Tonight
Showers ending near midnight then cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Risk of a thunderstorm this evening. Local amount 20 mm. Wind southwest 40 km/h gusting to 60 becoming light this evening. Wind becoming northwest 30 after midnight. Low plus 5.
Wed, 1 Apr – Cloudy. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud late in the morning. Wind northwest 30 km/h. High 8. Night – Cloudy periods. Low plus 2.
Thu, 2 Apr – Showers. High 7. Night – Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. Low 6.
Fri, 3 Apr – Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. High 15. Night – Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Low 8.
Sat, 4 Apr – Cloudy. High 13. Night – Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. Low 6.
Sun, 5 Apr – Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. High 12. Night – Cloudy periods. Low plus 3.
Mon, 6 Apr – A mix of sun and cloud. High 8.
