Published on Jul. 1, 2026, 10:21 PM
Updated on Jul. 1, 2026, 10:57 PM
Intense storms swept through southern Ontario on Wednesday, downing trees and breaking at least one monthly record
Rounds of severe thunderstorms pounded much of southern Ontario through the day on Wednesday, hampering outdoor Canada Day gatherings with damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and frequent lightning.
Hazardous conditions resulted in the cancellation of Ottawa’s National Canada Day Evening Show, as well as the fireworks display.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” Canadian Heritage posted on Instagram. “The safety of the public, the performers, the volunteers, and the crews remains our top priority.”
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Hydro One reported around 170,000 power outages throughout the province by 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Hydro Ottawa said that around 28,000 of its own customers were without power at the same time.
Storms thrived as excessive heat and humidity covered the region. Severe weather is common on the northern edge of a heat dome like the one centred over the eastern U.S. this week.
A relentless series of strong to severe thunderstorms hit the National Capital Region through the afternoon hours.