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The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...

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Hot, Humid Air Fuels Thunderstorm Risk in Southern Ontario

 

As the intense heat and humidity persist, southern Ontario remains under the threat of thunderstorms. High temperatures and moisture create favorable conditions for storm development, with the risk extending into the weekend.

Heat and Humidity: Key Drivers

  • Heat Dome: The Great Lakes region is currently enveloped by a heat dome, amplifying the risk of thunderstorms.
  • Unstable Atmosphere: Thursday will see an unstable atmosphere, allowing for additional thunderstorm activity.
  • Uneven Heating: Pockets of uneven heating throughout the day, along with convergence, will determine localized storm activity.

Potential Impacts

  • Severe Storms: Some thunderstorms could become severe due to torrential rainfall and locally gusty winds.
  • Heavy Rainfall: Ample moisture in the atmosphere means heavy rain, especially if storms linger over the same location.
  • Localized Flooding: Urban areas are at risk of flash flooding as storms move slowly across.

Stay Prepared

  • Widespread Heat Warnings: Temperatures soar into the 30s, feeling even hotter with the humidex.
  • Evening and Overnight Storms: Another round of thunderstorm activity is possible during these hours.


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