Our risk of strong to severe thunderstorms will continue this weekend as heat and instability develop over the Southern Prairies. Any rain from the storms is good news for areas that have suffered severe drought in recent months, although the heavy rain could also lead to localized flooding for some. More on the weekend’s thunderstorm threat and how hot it gets, below.
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THIS WEEKEND: MULTI-DAY THUNDERSTORM THREAT IN EXTREME HEAT
Severe thunderstorms are again possible Saturday for southern Alberta and Saskatchewan as a low pressure area moves north from Montana into southern Saskatchewan.
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Isolated to scattered thunderstorms develop in the late afternoon to early evening hours, with a greater chance of becoming severe in the evening.
Dynamics favor supercells in southern Alberta, which carries the risk of large hail.
On Sunday, the storm threat moves east into southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba as the low-pressure system continues to head east. With the extreme heat, a cap will likely be in place, but storms that can break through are likely to turn violent very quickly.
WIDE HEAT ALERTS IN EFFECT
In addition to the multi-day thunderstorm threat, days of high heat and tropical humidity will spread west to east across the southern Prairies this weekend. Daily temperature records and dangerous humidex readings are likely.
Heat warnings are in effect throughout Saskatchewan as a heat dome in the southern US will nose the northern part of the ridge in the Prairies.
Widespread temperatures of low to even mid-30s are forecast for southern and central Saskatchewan on Saturday, while southern Manitoba will be the focus for Sunday’s mid-30s heat.
“Extreme heat affects everyone,” Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says in the heat warning.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work or exercise outdoors. Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and the aggravation of a number of health problems. Drink plenty of water before you get thirsty and stay in a cool place. Check older family, friends and neighbors. Make sure they are cool and drink water.”
Much cooler conditions are expected next week, although parts of Manitoba will remain warmer at times.
Check back this weekend for updates as we continue to refine forecast details on the storm’s timing and severity.
