A severe thunderstorm warning for Toronto and surrounding areas has been downgraded to a thunderstorm watch.Environment Canada had been calling for strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain in Toronto and Hamilton, as well as the regions of Halton, Peel, York, Durham, and much of the Golden Horseshoe. The weather agency also warned of torrential rain, which can cause flooding and difficulty driving safely.People are urged to remain indoors during thunderstorms, as strong winds, hail and strong rains can cause extreme damage to buildings, trees and vehicles.The watch comes after days of heat and humidity in the city, with temperatures reaching the high 30s. Earlier in the day, the weather forecaster was calling for a high of 31 C Monday, with mainly sunny skies in the morning but moving to a mix of sun and cloud and finally, mainly cloudy skies with a risk of thunderstorms starting at 3 p.m.The severe weather threat is set to diminish Monday evening.The rain is expected to break the seemingly relentless heat after days of temperatures above the 30s C. The province’s coroner’s office is currently investigating three heat-related deaths in Ontario, while Quebec health authorities reported that up to 70 people may have died due to the heat wave in early July. With files from Clare RaymentInori Roy is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star`s radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @royinori
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