Cool summer’s end in store

After a rainy start to the summer months, the season could end up a little cooler than normal.

But Environment Canada meteorologist Peter Kimbell said it might be just cool enough to make enjoying the outdoors a little more comfortable.

Although the first few days of August were expected to be above average, Kimbell said that will change this weekend when a cold front rolls into the region.

“We have a good chance of showers in the forecast each day this week, but the chance is greatest by far on Friday. It’s likely to be a stormy day,” Kimbell said.

Thunderstorms also hit Tuesday afternoon, leading to a “special weather statement” issued by Environment Canada warning of localized heavy downpours of up to 40 millimetres of rain, wind gusts to 70 km/h and a chance of hail.

In the weeks to come, Kimbell said, “the theme will be cooler than normal for a while.”

Even then, he said, it will be a few degrees below the normal average temperature for the month of about 27 C.

“Even if you are at three degrees below normal … 24 C is very comfortable. Who’s to complain about 24 C being cooler than normal temperatures,” Kimbell said. “And even if it’s cool in August, it’s going to be sunny.”

Still, Kimbell does expect a few hotter than normal days, too. Wednesday and Thursday next week, for instance, could be scorchers.

Kimbell said making long-term forecasts for precipitation is a challenge, but he said it’s not likely that there will be less than the average rainfall for the month of about 75 mm.

Although several severe thunderstorms hit the region in the past month, they apparently didn’t drop much rain.

Kimbell said about 67 mm of rain was reported at the Vineland weather station in July, while the average for the month is about 85 mm.

“It’s a bit drier than usual,” he said.

In comparison, he said, other parts of the province such as eastern Ontario experienced “extremely wet” weather during the month.

Kimbell said July’s mean temperature of 21.6 C was about on par with average temperatures for the month.

BOB TYMCZYSZYN/STANDARD STAFF Stormy clouds and light rain didn't dissuade people from enjoying the weather at Sunset Beach in St. Catharines this week. The Weather Network is predicting warm and unstable conditions with chance of rain and thunderstorms for the next few days.