Heavy Rainfall Warning in Effect with Flooding Concerns
Toronto faces a heavy rainfall warning with 30-50 mm expected and risk of flooding. Thunderstorms likely. Clearing by Thursday with drier conditions
TORONTO – WEATHER – April is not fooling around. Toronto is under two active weather alerts this morning: a Rainfall Warning and a Special Weather Statement for potential freezing rain—and yes, all of that in just one day.
Wednesday’s Forecast: Freezing Rain, Rain, Thunderstorms and Flood Risk
As of 5:00 AM EDT at Toronto Pearson International Airport, conditions are mostly cloudy with a temperature of -0.8°C and a wind chill making it feel like -7°C. Winds are blowing from the east at 23 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, and humidity is sitting at 55%.
The barometric pressure is 102.9 kPa and rising, which is a little misleading considering what’s coming.
Morning Commute: Slippery Surfaces Ahead
We’re starting the day with a risk of freezing rain across parts of the GTA. Though surface temperatures near Lake Ontario will likely stay just above freezing, a brief period of freezing drizzle or rain may create slick conditions on sidewalks, roads, and parking lots. Take it slow out there—it might be spring, but ice is still playing games.
Afternoon and Evening: Rain, Heavy at Times, With Thunderstorm Risk
By noon, the freezing potential will thaw into a full-blown rainfall event, with 10 to 15 mm expected before nightfall. This evening, the real soaker begins, as showers ramp up with a risk of thunderstorms, dumping an additional 20 to 30 mm—and possibly more where storms linger. Total rainfall could exceed 50 mm in some areas, particularly in spots hit repeatedly by thunderstorms.
With the ground already saturated, localized flooding is a concern. Watch for pooling on roads and low-lying areas, and keep those emergency umbrellas and galoshes handy. Overnight, temperatures will shoot up to 13°C—a jump worthy of a weather trampoline.
Thursday and Beyond: Calmer, Warmer, and More Spring-Like
Thursday sees the last of the rain clearing out early in the day. Skies will mix between sun and clouds with just a few leftover showers (about 5 mm) before noon. The real story? The temperature rockets to a high of 18°C, with southwest winds at 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. You’ll finally feel a little spring in your step—literally.
Friday looks delightful with sunny skies and a high of 12°C, before clouds return Saturday with a 70% chance of rain and a high of 9°C.
Historic Highs and Lows for April 2 in Toronto
On this date, Toronto’s record high is a warm 22.8°C set in 1963, and the record low? A frosty -14.4°C from way back in 1924. Today is threading the needle—starting cold, ending wet, and landing somewhere comfortably in the middle by Thursday.
What to Wear Today? Dress Like You’re Prepping for All Four Seasons
Start with a warm base layer and waterproof outerwear—ideally something with a hood that won’t fly off in the wind. Watch for ice early on, so good traction on footwear is a must. And don’t forget the umbrella for the afternoon and evening downpours. Tomorrow? Break out the spring jacket—but keep it wind-resistant.
Toronto Weather Trivia: April is a Trickster
Did you know? Toronto averages about 74 mm of rain for the entire month of April. With 30 to 50 mm expected today alone, we could squeeze most of the month’s rainfall into just one 24-hour stretch. Mother Nature: always keeping us on our toes.
