Funnel Clouds Could Form in Mississauga Today

If you get a anxious rush when you see funnel clouds in the sky (which is, of course, completely normal), prepare yourself–some could form in Mississauga and surrounding areas today.

Environment Canada recently released a weather statement for Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills that says that “conditions will be favourable for the development of funnel clouds today.”

The news agency said that scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and early evening across Southern Ontario and that some of the thunderstorms will bring dime sized hail, wind gusts to 70 km/h and frequent lightning.

Interestingly enough, funnel clouds may also make a brief appearance this afternoon in this “unseasonably cool and unstable air mass.” The thunderstorms are expected to dissipate this evening.

While funnel cloud are concerning, it appears the risk of an actual tornado is low.

Environment Canada says these types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms.

“This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado,” the report reads.”Treat any funnel cloud sighting seriously. Should a funnel cloud develop nearby, prepare to take shelter. These funnel clouds usually appear with little or no warning.”

So keep an eye on the sky and take shelter if you spot a funnel cloud.