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FIFA fans are being warned to watch out for rain, potential thunderstorms and above average temperatures when they head into downtown Toronto for the city’s opening World Cup game on Friday.
A cold front will be sweeping across the Greater Toronto Area during the day on Friday, bringing with it potential showers and thunderstorms, said Geoff Coulson, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
While Friday’s precipitation is being driven by the cold front, Coulson said the weather is not that much cooler compared to days prior. He said it can take a few days for the cool down to kick in, but that there won’t be a dramatic drop in temperature or humidity levels.
He said the worst of the wet weather is expected to pass before the match at 3 p.m., but lingering showers may be possible as the game starts.
Friday’s forecast has a daytime high of 29 C and a high level of humidity, which are both expected to be above the normal levels for this time of year, said Coulson.
“As the afternoon wears on, the worst of that activity is going to push eastwards out of the area,” he said, adding that cooler, drier weather is expected into the evening hours.
WATCH | Toronto has prepared various measures to keep people cool during the World Cup:
How Toronto will keep people cool during the FIFA World Cup
The city says it is working to keep public stay safe during periods of extreme heat this summer. CBC’s Mercedes Gaztambide breaks down the measures in place to keep people cool during the FIFA World Cup.
Find shelter if you hear thunder: meteorologist
Coulson warned residents heading outside on Friday or over the weekend to take shelter indoors if they hear any thunder.
“The lightning safety rule says ‘when thunder roars go indoors,’ that’s the time to find a solid shelter and stay there,” he said.
“Make sure you stay in that solid shelter for a full 30 minutes after the last rumble of Thunder to let that storm get well away from your location.”
CBC News reached out to FIFA on its guidelines and planning for potential inclement weather on match days
If the weather takes a turn for some sun, Coulson urged residents to wear sunblock as the UV index is expected to be high throughout the weekend.
He said the forecast will dip into next week with cooler than average temperatures around 22 C.
FIFA implemented three-minute hydration breaks into each half of every game, regardless of whether they are taking place under the sun or indoors, according to a news release on its website. The change was brought in to support player welfare, it said.
