Cloudy Skies and Thunderstorm Risks Rolling into the GTA
Toronto, ON – Monday, May 5, 2025 – It’s a mostly cloudy start to the day across the Greater Toronto Area, and while the morning might fool you with some dry spells, don’t be fooled—rain is knocking at the door. Currently sitting at a mild 15.4°C as observed from Toronto Pearson International Airport, the day ahead will usher in showers and the potential for a few rumbling thunderstorms as we head into the afternoon.
Humidity is sitting at a relatively dry 42%, but with a dew point of just 2.5°C, things may feel cooler than they appear early on. Winds from the east-northeast are steady at 14 km/h and gusting up to 30 km/h, expected to intensify to 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h later this morning. Visibility remains clear at 24 km for now, but that may change as showers and patchy fog arrive tonight. Barometric pressure is currently 101.7 kPa and rising—a sign of shifting weather patterns on the way.
Showers Settle In This Afternoon – Risk of Thunder
This afternoon, showers are set to begin with a 40% chance of rain turning into a more sustained rainfall as the day progresses. Keep an umbrella handy if you’re stepping out post-lunch, as there’s also a risk of a thunderstorm—classic spring unpredictability in Southern Ontario. Rainfall amounts could hit up to 5 mm locally.
By tonight, those showers will continue with the thunderstorm risk lingering. Fog patches are expected to develop overnight, reducing visibility for early morning commuters on Tuesday. Winds will shift to a brisk 30 km/h from the east, gusting up to 50 before easing off overnight. Expect temperatures to dip to a low of 11°C by early morning.
A Foggy Start to Tuesday, Then Mild and Cloudy
Looking ahead to Tuesday, May 6, Toronto will wake up to fog patches that will slowly clear through the morning. The forecast calls for mainly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers in the afternoon, and another risk of a late-day thunderstorm. Temperatures will climb slightly higher than today, reaching a high of 18°C. With the UV index rising to 6 or high, sunscreen may still be needed between cloud breaks.
Tuesday night remains cloudy with a 30% chance of lingering showers and a low of 12°C. On Wednesday, cloud cover continues with similar chances of precipitation and a high of 18°C. Things are expected to clear by Wednesday night, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 4°C under clear skies.
Today in History – A Sizzling Record and a Chilly Footnote
For May 5th, Toronto’s historical weather records remind us how much variability this month can bring. The hottest May 5th on record was a toasty 27.9°C in 2001, while the coldest was a frigid -2.8°C in 1966. Today’s high of 16°C lands us somewhere comfortably in the middle of that springtime spectrum.
Wardrobe Wisdom: Today calls for layers and waterproof gear. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella, and keep your footwear splash-proof—there’s nothing worse than soggy socks in a surprise thunderstorm.
Toronto Weather Trivia: Did you know Toronto’s average May rainfall totals about 67 mm? With today and tomorrow’s storms, we may make a decent dent in that average in just two days!
