A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Ottawa-Gatineau as Environment Canada tracks unstable weather across the region on Saturday afternoon
The forecaster issued a brief thunderstorm warning shortly after 5:20 p.m. as it tracked a severe thunderstorm near Marathon, Ont. moving east.
The warning was called off at around 5:45 p.m. but a severe thunderstorm watch issued shortly after 12:40 p.m. remains in effect.
Environment Canada says the storms may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.
“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,” Environment Canada says.
“Locally, heavy rain is also possible.”
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 5:50 p.m. for the Low and Wakefield, Que. area.
Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when a storm is occuring or imminent, while watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms.
Saturday weather forecast
Environment Canada’s forecast calls for a high of 26 C – humidex 34 – and a 60 per cent chance of showers today.
Tonight, a low of 17 C is forecasted. It’s also going to be mainly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers – risk of thunderstorm this evening and after midnight.
Sunday will be mainly cloudy, with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a high of 26 C. A low of 18 C and cloudy periods are forecasted for the night.
A mix of sun and clouds and a high of 30 C are forecasted to start the week on Monday. Cloudy skies and a low of 20 C are in the forecast for the night.
The average temperatures for this time of year are a high of 26.1 C and a low of 15 C.