Severe thunderstorm possible for Hamilton

Batten down the hatches, Hamilton - some exciting weather is heading our way.

Environment Canada has issued a thunderstorm watch for the city with the possibility of severe thunderstorms" Sunday afternoon and evening.

Similar storm watches were issued for Brant and Haldimand counties and Niagara Region.

The thunderstorms may be slow moving" and can bring strong wind gusts - up to 90 km/h - along with large hail and heavy rain.

The hail, if it arrives, could be two centremetres in diameter. As much as 50 millimetres of rain could fall in one hour.

Environment Canada warns strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

People are advised to avoid water-related activities due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water."

Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!" Environment Canada says.

The thunderstorm watch is on top of a heat warning that is expected to last into Monday.

The daytime high on Sunday is 31 degrees C, with humidex values of 37 to 42. Overnight temperatures aren't expected to drop below 20 C. The high Monday is 30 C with a low of 17 C.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com