Beware: Ontario fire activity increases with these hot, dry conditions

An extended stretch of sunny, hot and dry weather will continue across much of Ontario through the end of the week, with high temperatures soaring into the upper 20s and even lower 30s for some.

Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with widespread temperatures into the lower 30s. Fortunately, the humidity will remain comfortable, and temperatures will still cool off at night.

While this stretch of consistent warm weather is likely welcomed by most, especially after such a sluggish start to spring, the hot and dry conditions combined with a lack of precipitation has led to an increase in fire danger ratings across the province.

Much of the province is currently rated at 'high,' 'very high,' or 'extreme' for fire danger. Forest fires have broken out across parts of northern Ontario, resulting in hazardous conditions and road closures.

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Across the south, it has been nine days since southern Ontario has seen any precipitation, closing out the month of May without rain.

The next chance for rain is Friday and Saturday in eastern Ontario, with much of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and southwestern Ontario staying dry. There is the chance for some isolated showers in the south on Saturday, but not everyone will see rain.

Cooler weather will attempt to push into the region from the east during the weekend, but it's a low confidence forecast for timing, and how far east the cooler weather will reach. We could see a wide range in temperatures between Montreal and Windsor.

Warm weather may linger into early next week for parts of the region, but the pattern for next week will then turn much cooler, along with the potential for some much-needed, widespread rain.

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Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Ontario.

Thumbnail image courtesy: OPP North East Region/Twitter