Kingston, Ontario, is heading into a stretch of hot and humid weather this week, with temperatures expected to reach 29°C and humidex values making it feel as hot as 38 on Thursday, according to Environment Canada.
Showers and the risk of thunderstorms are also in the forecast, starting overnight on August 5 and continuing through Saturday. Sunday is expected to bring a break with sunny skies, though a chance of showers returns Sunday night. Environment Canada predicts a 30 percent chance of showers tonight with the risk of a thunderstorm, and fog patches developing as temperatures drop to a low of 20°C.
Thursday, August 6, is expected to be the hottest day, with a mix of sun and cloud, a 40 percent chance of showers, and a risk of thunderstorms. The UV index will be very high at 8, so sun protection is a must. The humidex could hit 38, making outdoor activities feel oppressive.
The unsettled pattern will linger through Saturday and Monday, both showing a 60 percent chance of showers and highs of 25°C. As of 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, conditions at Kingston Airport were mainly sunny with a temperature of 25.7°C and a humidex of 33.
No weather alerts are currently in effect for the area, but former Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips explains that heat and humidity often serve as the “fuel” that powers summer thunderstorms. Gusty winds could also exceed 45 km/h through Sunday overnight, further increasing the risk of sudden, strong storms.
August humidity in Kingston typically falls between 72 and 80 percent, so muggy conditions are not unusual. Still, residents should stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during the hottest afternoon hours, and keep an eye on the forecast if planning outdoor activities this week.
