Bracebridge residents can expect a warm and sunny beginning to the week before conditions shift to showers and a risk of thunderstorms, according to Environment Canada.
The forecast for Monday, July 20, calls for sunny skies early in the afternoon, then a mix of sun and cloud with a 40 percent chance of showers later in the day. The high is expected to reach 25°C with a humidex making it feel like 27°C. The UV index is forecast to be 8, which is considered very high.
A UV index of 8 means extra sun protection is needed, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Environment Canada recommends wearing UV-protective sunglasses, staying in the shade, and reapplying sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
On Monday night, there is a risk of a thunderstorm as conditions begin to change. Rain is expected to continue into Tuesday, July 21, with a risk of a thunderstorm in the morning and early afternoon. Winds will shift to the west at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h by late afternoon. The high that day will be 23°C, with a humidex of 31.
The unsettled pattern lingers into Wednesday, July 22, with a mix of sun and cloud and a 30 percent chance of showers. The temperature will drop to a high of 20°C, which is slightly below the seasonal normal of 25°C. Thursday, July 23, is expected to bring a return to sunny skies and a high of 24°C.
The week will finish on a warmer note Friday, July 24, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 26°C, just above the seasonal average.
Environment Canada has not issued any weather alerts for the Bracebridge area, but the agency reminds residents that lightning can strike several kilometres away from a thunderstorm. It is safest to stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
