80-100+km/h: Damage potential with blustery winds on the Prairies
A potentially record-setting low is forecast to bring widespread, powerful winds, rain, and snow this week to parts of the Prairies
Thursday's system has the potential to break May's low pressure record across the Prairies, bringing with it the risk of strong and potentially damaging wind gusts.
Gusts could reach 80-100+ km/h in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Winds will pick up late-day Thursday in Manitoba.
Residents are reminded to secure loose outdoor objects and prepare in case of any power outages.
As well, with a looming cooldown, that means snow will return with single-digit, daytime highs in time for the long weekend.
Weather Highlights:
Intense wind gusts of 60-100+km/h possible Thursday for the Prairies
Blustery winds of 50-70+ km/h continue Friday for parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Residents are reminded to secure any loose outdoor objects and prepare in case of power disruptions
Cooldown brings chance of snow for some, with chill continuing on the long weekend
Thursday: Unusually strong storm for May, winds intensify
If the system intensifies below 980 mb while crossing the central Prairies, it could become the most intense May low pressure system on record. These systems typically produce strong winds due to a tight pressure gradient and may also lead to increased precipitation totals.
SEE ALSO: Canada's weather shakeup for the long weekend: What to expect
Rain showers, along with localized bands of moderate to heavy rain, are expected to move through Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Thursday as the strengthening low tracks across Saskatchewan. Northern Alberta will also see areas of moderate rainfall persist.
Rainfall amounts in northern Alberta could reach 30-60 mm, increasing the risk of localized flooding.
Strong northwest winds, with gusts of 80-100+ km/h, will impact Alberta and Saskatchewan, potentially causing localized damage and power outages.
By late Thursday, these winds are forecast to extend into southwestern Manitoba.
WATCH: Powerful winds headed for the Prairies, how to best prepare
Friday: Intense winds move east, chance of snow for some
Strong wind gusts of 50-70+ km/h are still likely Friday for southern areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and northern sections of the latter through the day.
Through the pre-dawn hours of Friday, cold air will force south, transitioning rain to snow and icy precipitation across far northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with snow also possible across northeastern Alberta.
DON'T MISS: Snow chances spread across several provinces this week
Between 2-5+ cm of snow is forecast across parts of northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with locally up to 10 cm.
A near 20-degree temperature contrast across northern and southern Manitoba is expected Friday with near 20 degree-warmth hanging on in the south, and sub-freezing daytime highs in the far north.
Long-range outlook includes cool temperatures and snow for the Rockies
Below-seasonal temperatures will be the general trend for the long weekend across the Prairies, with single-digit, daytime highs possible for some.
Snow is likely for the Rockies and chances for showers on and off throughout the weekend, with an unsettled, cool pattern generally across the region.
WATCH BELOW: Whisky made in Alberta has special qualities thanks to the weather
Stay tuned to The Weather Network as we continue to update the forecast for Alberta.