—
The long weekend could be quite stormy for parts of the Prairies, with the possibility of severe weather Saturday and Sunday across all three provinces thanks to an unstable air mass, upper-level blocking pattern and system. Saturday will see the threat of severe storms develop across parts of Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, remaining in the latter on Sunday and moving into extreme southern Manitoba. More on weather, storm risks and what to expect next week, below.
READ MORE: The best coolers for you and your drink this summer
WEEKEND: THREAT OF SEVERE STORMS DEVELOPES FOR PARTS OF THE PRAIRIES
Unsettled air over the southern prairies will bring a chance for thunderstorms across the region this weekend. The biggest threat of severe weather will cover parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan on Saturday before moving into the extreme south of the latter and Manitoba for Sunday.
Thunderstorms will be possible from the southern Rockies into Manitoba on Saturday. There may be enough instability for thunderstorms to reach severe limits in the foothills of Alberta, including the Calgary metro area. Dynamics are also favorable for strong thunderstorms to develop over southern Saskatchewan, including the Regina area.
Saturday’s strongest thunderstorms could bring large hail, strong winds and heavy rainfall.
MUST SEE: Make the sun work for YOU with these solar-powered gadgets
This storm pattern is the result of an upper-level blocking pattern that has wedged itself over western Canada. Not only is this atmospheric block responsible for the storms raging across the prairies this long weekend, but it’s also the reason we’ve been avoiding extreme heat lately.
On Sunday, the thunderstorm threat moves out of Alberta and into extreme southern areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which will also have the best chance for severe storms.
The potential hazards will be the same as Saturday’s severe storm risk – heavy rain, large hail and strong wind gusts.
Precipitation by Wednesday will be around 10-30mm across the southern half of the Prairies, though higher amounts likely in thunderstorms, with heavier amounts likely in the Alberta foothills.
Some areas could see 50mm of rain by Wednesday.
Temperatures on Saturday will be right around seasonal for much of the southern prairies, with temperatures slightly below seasonal by Sunday.
After the weekend next week weather will begin to warm up again in the region as the blocking pattern breaks down. We will see a series of days with high temperatures in the mid to upper 20s, with the potential for temperatures and humidity values in the low 30s in southern regions.
Extreme heat should remain south of the border during this first full week of July.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest information on storm risk across the prairies.
Add Comment