Latest news with #WeatherNetwork
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sick of heat and humidity? This brief break is on your horizon
We've certainly had our fair share of hot and humid weather this summer. Sick of touching a searing steering wheel only to yelp in pain? Fed up with your shirt sticking to your back the second you walk out the door? Here's a bit of good news if you're craving a breath of fresh air. One of the most beautiful stretches of weather all summer long is in the forecast for Ontario, and it begins on Sunday. DON'T MISS: We've had no shortage of warm and muggy days in Toronto this summer. June enjoyed a few streaks of comfortable temperatures, including a particularly nice weeklong stretch around the middle of the month. However, the city has only recorded three days this July with high temperatures in that summertime sweet spot between 23°C and 28°C. The next couple of days will feature beautiful conditions with pleasant temperatures. It'll be the kind of weather worthy of rolling down the car windows or taking a long stroll in the park. Sunday's forecast high at Toronto-Pearson is 28°C. Monday and Tuesday will be the days to beat, with respective daytime high temperatures of 24°C and 25°C—a stretch of gorgeous July weather that might prompt more than a few sick days (wink wink). Take advantage of it while you can. The heat and humidity are likely to return in short order. Signals are strongly pointing toward the final third of July featuring more temperatures in the upper 20s to near 30 degrees. Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Ontario. WATCH: Looking to cool down? How about trying nature's air conditioner Click here to view the video
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Mix of sun and cloud, turns into afternoon showers
Saturday's weather brings a mix of sun and cloud to start the day, with a few showers beginning late in the afternoon. Temperatures reach 29 degrees, but the wind may provide some relief, gusting up to 40 km/h. A thunderstorm may pop-up late in the afternoon. The risk of showers ends overnight. Tomorrow is mainly cloudy, turning into a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. Here's a look at the rest of the forecast Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. A few showers beginning late this afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm late this afternoon. Wind southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40. High 29. Humidex 37. UV index 10 or very high. Saturday night: A few showers ending overnight then mainly cloudy. Risk of a thunderstorm this evening and after midnight. Wind west 20 km/h becoming light near midnight. Low 21. Sunday: Cloudy. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. Wind becoming north 20 km/h gusting to 40 near noon. High 28. Humidex 35. UV index 9 or very high. Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 26. Tuesday: Sunny. High 28. Wednesday: Sunny. High 30. Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 33.
Hamilton Spectator
7 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Severe weather caused a record $8 billion in insured damage in 2024. Are you sure you're covered?
Damage caused by severe weather broke records last year and if this summer's forecast is any indication, we could be gearing up for another rough season. Severe weather events, including wildfires, floods and hailstorms, caused more than $8 billion in insured damage in 2024 for the first time in Canada's history, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. July and August were particularly bad, with four catastrophic weather events that resulted in more than 250,000 insurance claims and more than $7 billion in insured losses. Flash floods in Toronto and southern Ontario last July and August alone caused more than $940 million in insured damage. Are you a Gen Z or Millennial (18 to 44) living in the Toronto area who needs help with a financial challenge or goal? Do you have questions and want some free advice from a financial adviser? Email Lora Grady at lgrady@ and you could be featured in an upcoming story. Frequent showers and powerful thunderstorms are in store for southern and eastern Ontario this summer, according to the Weather Network, with a threat of wildfires in northern Ontario. 'It's super important to have home insurance, including tenants' insurance or condo insurance,' says Morgan Roberts, vice-president of insurance at RH Insurance, Ratehub's insurance brokerage. Fire, wind, flooding and hail can cause significant damage, and most people can't afford to shoulder the recovery costs on their own. Roberts says you could be looking at upwards of $100,000 in damages depending on the circumstances. A recent survey from found that while nearly half of Canadian homeowners feel 'somewhat confident' about their home insurance policy's coverage and terms, some 70 per cent admit to having little or no understanding of their policy exclusions. That means many Canadians won't realize what their home insurance policy covers until they're dealing with a loss and have to file a claim. 'The devil is always in the details,' says Nainesh Kotak, founder of Kotak Personal Injury Law. 'Insurance policies vary, and fire and flood coverage may depend on certain terms and conditions,' Kotak adds. Consumers should pay particular attention to what type of water damage is covered, says Anne Marie Thomas, director of consumer and industry relations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Standard home insurance policies will typically cover water damage caused by a pipe bursting or a leaking fridge. However, standard home insurance policies don't cover overland flooding (water entering a property from an accumulation of water from the outside) or sewer backup. Most insurance companies will allow you to purchase additional coverage to fill those gaps — but it depends on the circumstances, including where you live. 'Some insurance companies may not offer water damage coverage if you live in an area that has frequently flooded,' says Thomas. Torontonians are increasingly looking to buy their spouse out of the matrimonial home after Most policies cover fire and wind. However, if you live in an area where there's an active wildfire season, 'it's very unlikely that they're going to give you fire insurance because the insurance company could be setting itself up for a claim,' Kotak says. It's also important to be aware of any coverage limits, Thomas says. For example, some sewer backup coverage is maxed out at $25,000. 'If your basement water damage is $40,000, that other $15,000 is yours to cover,' Thomas says. 'If you think that you require more coverage, find another insurance company or buy more — ask an insurance broker what your options are.' Another couple of terms to get familiar with: replacement cost coverage (the actual cost to replace an item) versus actual cash value (the cost of the item when it was new minus depreciation). 'If you bought a 50-inch television three years ago and you paid $5,000, and today you go on Facebook Marketplace and somebody's selling that same TV for $2,000, that's the actual cash value,' Thomas says. With replacement cost coverage, the insurance company will replace that $5,000 television with a similar year, make and model. 'If that TV would cost $6,000 by today's standards, that's what they will pay.' When it comes to rebuilding costs, Roberts recommends guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Standard coverage reduces payouts based on depreciation, whereas this protection pays the full replacement amount — even if actual costs exceed their policy's stated limits. 'With Canada experiencing an increasing frequency of severe weather events, guaranteed replacement costs provide crucial peace of mind, ensuring that your home will be fully rebuilt regardless of how much construction costs have escalated since your policy was originally written,' Roberts says. Budget-friendly activities for the nature enthusiasts, kids, teens and even date night. Keep in mind that while guaranteed replacement cost covers construction costs, it won't pay for upgrades or improvements beyond the original specifications of your home. If your home is damaged due to severe weather, reach out to your insurance company as soon as it's safe to do so (most insurance companies have 24-hour claims lines) and document your losses. Take photos and record videos that survey the damage so that 'an insurance adjuster can see the scope and scale of the damage to the home,' Thomas says. If you don't have receipts for damaged items, videos and photos can be particularly helpful. Depending on the scope of the severe weather event, it can take an insurance adjuster days to get to your home because of the number of claims. If you rent a shop vacuum or dryers for water damage, keep receipts. 'Your insurance company will reimburse you for steps you have taken to mitigate further damage,' Thomas says. If you have a history of multiple home insurance claims, your premium will go up. Some insurance companies will also raise your deductible. 'If you normally have a $1,000 deductible and then have one or two sewer backup claims, your deductible might change to $5,000,' Roberts says. They could exclude that coverage altogether. A few useful tips to mitigate potential damage: Make sure your downspouts are directed away from your home's foundation and not toward it. Clean eavestroughs regularly so the water flows through properly. Don't pour fats or oils down your drains — they can coagulate and cause blocks so water can't escape. Raise large appliances like hot water heaters up off the floor in the basement, along with any other any valuables. Ensure any sewer backup drains in your basement are free of debris. You may want to install a sump pump (a device that removes water to prevent flooding) with a battery backup and/or a backwater valve (which prevents sewage from the public sewer system from flowing back into your home when it's backed up), Thomas says. Many insurance companies offer discounts when you install equipment (backwater valves, sump pumps, storm shutters, sprinkler systems) that helps prevent damage to your home. 'If you're less likely to have something go wrong with your house, you're less likely to make a claim,' Roberts explains. 'Insurance companies like that, so they'll often give you a break on your premiums as a reward for being proactive about protecting your home.' Some municipalities and even insurance providers offer incentives or subsidies for installing preventative measures in your home. In Toronto, homeowners can apply online for the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, which offers a subsidy of up to $3,400 to install flood protection devices (including backwater valves and sump pumps). Check with your provider to see if they offer any reimbursements for weather-prevention upgrades. Typically, your insurance policy only needs to be reviewed with your broker once a year when it comes up for renewal. However, if you make any upgrades or big purchases (think renovating your kitchen, adding a bathroom or buying an expensive bicycle), you should talk to your broker to add those items to your policy. 'You want to make sure you have coverage and up your liability,' says Roberts. 'It could change the premium, but you're also now insuring a finished basement.' Kotak says it's a good idea to take photographs of any upgrades or valuables (such as a wine collection) that you would seek to replace. 'It's nice to have a before photo to have that comparison, just to make someone's life a little bit easier when they have to make a claim and justify the claim,' he says. Due to last year's severe weather, many Canadians will see higher home insurance policy renewal rates this year, even if they haven't filed a claim. Roberts recommends working with an insurance broker to find a company with rates that fit your budget. Here's the good news: You're not falling behind if you don't have everything figured out right You can typically get a discount if you have your car and home insurance with the same company, Thomas says. You should also check with your broker to see if there's a group discount that you might not be aware of. 'Some insurance companies offer discounts if you're an alumnus of a university or you're employed by a certain company,' Thomas says. It's great to have coverage, but it's crucial to understand the coverage you have, Thomas says. If you don't understand what severe weather your policy covers, consult an insurance broker or contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada's consumer information centre.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Edmonton weather: Partly cloudy and hazy with some showers on tap
The Air Quality Health Index rose to the high risk range early this morning as temperatures cooled and some of the smoke aloft sunk closer to the surface. We'll probably see the AQHI stay there through the morning and then improve to a moderate risk this afternoon. With light wind in the forecast, it's unlikely that the smoke completely clear out of the area until early tonight or early Friday. The smoke modelling (which has been very accurate of late) has a significant improvement for Friday in the Edmonton area. However, northeastern Alberta will likely get a very smoky day Friday and may see some air quality warnings issued. Aside from the haze, we'll be Partly Cloudy through today with temperatures rising to around 23 or 24 C. There's an area of low pressure bringing showers to southern Alberta today and on the northern edge of that system, we may see a scattered shower or thunderstorm develop near the Edmonton region this afternoon or early this evening. It'll be very hit and miss and I think most of the city will probably get missed. Friday night and early Saturday morning have a much higher potential to bring some precipitation to the Edmonton area. We'll be partly cloudy and gusty through the day Friday. But, another low-pressure system moving in from the west will bring some showers and thunderstorms to western Alberta through the afternoon and evening hours Friday. As that system moves eastwards, it should push some showers OR periods of rain through the Edmonton region Friday night/early Saturday morning. It's still looking like we'll get a break from the rain for the late-morning and early afternoon hours Saturday (probably even a few glimpses of the sun breaking through the clouds). THEN...a chance of scattered showers for the evening hours Saturday. That should be a lot more hit and miss and the risk of showers Sunday looks fairly hit and miss as well. Bottom line: YES, we will very likely get some rain this weekend, and probably both days. BUT, it doesn't look like we'll see two full days of steady rain. Afternoon highs will be between 18 and 22 C (depending on whether we get afternoon precipitation and the timing). I've split the difference and gone with highs of 20 C for both Saturday and Sunday. Here's the forecast for Edmonton and area: Today - Partly cloudy with wildfire haze. Light wind. Slight risk of a late-afternoon shower or thunderstorm. High: 24 Tonight - Partly cloudy. 9pm: 20 Friday - Partly cloudy. Wind SE 20 gusting to 40. 60% chance of showers or periods of rain in the evening and overnight. Morning Low: 13 Afternoon High: 25 Saturday - 70% chance of showers or periods of rain early in the morning. Cloudy with a few sunny breaks through the day. 40% chance of a scattered shower late in the day. Morning Low: 14 Afternoon High: 20 Sunday - Mostly cloudy. 30% chance of a shower. Morning Low: 13 Afternoon High: 20 Monday - Mix of sun & cloud. 40% chance of shower. Morning Low: 12 Afternoon High: 20 Tuesday - Partly cloudy. Morning Low: 10 Afternoon High: 18
Hamilton Spectator
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Are you heading to Hillside Festival 2025 in Guelph? Here's what you need to know
Hillside is back and it's time to get ready for the annual celebration of music and community at Guelph Lake Island. The festival runs from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20 and will have five stages for shows, all kinds of body and mind workshops, a food bazaar, artisan market, children's area and more. Artistic director Samir Baijal said there will be performers from across Canada as well as from all over the world. 'I hope you enjoy the weekend on the island, discover some artists who you have never seen or heard before, and make some new friends,' Baijal said in a press release. Here's the Hillside Festival lineup for 2025. And for the first time, guest curator Classic Roots — an Indigenous DJ, producer and performer from Thunder Bay, representing the Long Lake 58 First Nation, selected some artists, too. Those featured are Celeigh Cardinal, Drezus, Joel Wood & Tonia Jo Hall and Sebastian Gaskin. 'Let the festival be a space where cultures collide, spirits soar, and our shared rhythm leads us forward,' Roots said. Festival goers enjoy the beach and lake. Here are a few more things you might need to know. The weather this weekend won't be as steamy — but the Weather Network is calling for some rain. The high of 26 degrees will be a welcome cool-down for folks spending the weekend outdoors. Pack your umbrella for Saturday night and Sunday, because they are calling for some showers. You can still get day passes for all three days of the festival. Organizers said as of July 15, the festival was 85 per cent sold out overall, so you might want to grab your tickets online now. There are youth and senior options, and children under 12 get in for free with an adult. The food pavilion will have local and regional chefs and artisans creating locally sourced, organic, sustainable menus. But don't worry, there will be ice cream from Mapleton's Organic Dairy and your favourite popsicles from Laza Food and Beverages Inc. A full list of vendors is also available online. The complete line up and schedule of performances on all the stages is available now so you can plan ahead. Some main stage shows over the weekend include sets by Ruby Waters, Tim Baker, the Devin Cuddy Band, Son Rompe Pera, Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, Hurray for Riff Raff, and Lucius. You can drive and park, especially if you are camping, but if you're coming from Guelph, there is a shuttle bus to and from downtown. You can even exchange your ticket for a wristband when you board the bus and stay on it the whole way to the island entrance. Otherwise, you will have to stop at the main gate tent to get your wristband or badge. Bring your bike and you can park it in Henry Kock's Bike Lot. Volunteers will show you where to lock it up and can even help with tools if you need them. The Guelph Off Road Bicycling Association conducts rides leaving the festival from the bike area. Don't forget to bring your reusable water bottles to fill at the Water Wagon. At the festival you will also be able to use reusable dishes that are washed by volunteers. Hillside is a green festival leader in the country and around the world, and it's important we leave the conservation area the way we found it (or better!) The Hillside Festival welcome sign shines in the sun by Guelph Lake. Learn more at You can also download the app on your phone to navigate and plan your experience. Happy Hillside, everyone!
