Thunderstorms, power outages, forest fires and heat waves plague Ontario city this week

From the threat of a major thunderstorm that closed the city’s only outdoor pool to an ongoing heat wave, a massive power outage and nearby not-under-control forest fires, it’s certainly been a week in Oshawa.

And it’s only Wednesday.

Tuesday’s thunderstorm warning was eventually called off after the bulk of the storm passed by but not before the city closed all outdoor facilities, including Camp Samac outdoor pool. It was recommended that residents not use city parks, trails and splash pads during the thunderstorm event.

That warning drew a few skeptics on Oshawa Councillor Brian Nicholson’s Facebook page, with one questioning the wisdom of closing facilities in advance of thunderstorms.

“Before doppler radar, you knew when the storm was near you by looking up,” Nicholson responded. “Today we know 10 minutes or more in advance when the storm will arrive and the area of impact. It allows us to take action and not require users to scramble to get under cover.”

The Delpark Community Centre was also closed and all interior facilities and programs cancelled for much of Tuesday due to a massive power outage that affected 1,700 homes in the area. The power was restored just before 3 p.m.

Smoke from wildfires burning just outside Durham have also been affecting the quality of life for Oshawa residents, with one fire in particular in Kawartha Lakes – just to the east of Beaverton in north Durham Region – now at 33.5 hectares and deemed “not under control.”

The blaze started August 11.

Meanwhile, there is still a heat warning for Oshawa and the rest of southern Durham Region, with the humidex values expected to hit 37-40 degrees today. The thunderstorm warnings have morphed into a 40 per chance of showers, with sunny and hot conditions remaining for the rest of the week, peaking at 33 degrees on Saturday before another bout of cooling scattered showers arrives Sunday.

A burn ban is also in effect for Oshawa and the rest of Durham Region.