Calgary faces Sunday funnel cloud risk with favourable atmosphere
Stay alert on Sunday as funnel clouds may form in parts of Alberta, including Calgary, and may have the potential to turn into weak landspout tornadoes
As parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba face a tornado risk on Sunday, a sizable portion of Alberta could see funnel clouds.
And there is the chance that some funnel clouds could touch the ground to become landspout tornadoes, but they would be rather weak compared to their supercell cousins. Still, they can pose a risk to property and lives.
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Be sure to stay weather-aware and alert to all of the advisories, watches and warnings in your area as conditions quickly change.
Potential for funnel clouds and landspouts Sunday
A slow-moving, upper-level trough is swirling across central Alberta on Sunday, resulting in enough energy for thunderstorm development.
The setup includes low shear, modest amounts of cape, and rapidly developing cumulus cloud, which can promote the development of cold-core funnels.
Occasionally, these funnel clouds can reach the surface and become weak landspout tornadoes.
Funnel clouds can form in environments with thunderstorms and rotating columns of air. It is a cone or funnel-shaped condensation cloud that extends from a storm without reaching the surface.
"These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado," warned Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on Sunday.
Typically, funnel clouds alone are not dangerous. However, if they are able to extend to the surface, they would become a tornado. In that case, it could cause damage.
Unlike their supercell cousins, landspout tornadoes don't usually cause major damage but can still be dangerous. They can be potent enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for Alberta.