A thunderstorm over Hillman Marsh.  (File photo courtesy of Robert Longphee)A thunderstorm over Hillman Marsh. (File photo courtesy of Robert Longphee)
Chatham

Soggy Start For Fireworks Shows

Mother Nature could put a damper on your Canada 150 celebrations Friday night -- but the weather should clear up by Saturday evening.

Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson says a storm system is moving in from the American midwest, bringing showers and possibly thunderstorms to southwestern Ontario.

"As we head into Canada Day, still some shower activity into the morning hours... and more instability in the afternoon hours Saturday," says Coulson. "But it does look like by the time people are heading out to local fireworks displays [Saturday night], the activity will be over with."

Coulson says the region could get anywhere between 10-15mm of rain Friday night and into Saturday morning.

With storms on the way Friday night, Coulson is also issuing a warning to people who might hear a rumble that's not fireworks-related.

"When thunder roars, go indoors," says Coulson. "The second part of the rule says that you need to stay in shelter for a full 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder to allow that storm to move well away from your location."

Coulson says Sunday and Monday of the long weekend look a lot better with a mix of sun and cloud expected and highs around 27 C or 28 C.

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