The Prairies face a multi-day risk of severe storms with high rainfall totals
A widespread thunderstorm risk pops up on Thursday across the Prairies. A higher chance of severe storms, which could bring large hail and heavy rain, will exist in parts of southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
An active weather pattern has established itself across the Prairies, and will persist into early next week. Significant rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast in several regions over multiple days.
Be sure to stay alert to the changing conditions, and check for any weather warnings in your area.
Widespread thunderstorms threaten heavy rain and strong winds through Friday
Showers and thunderstorms are expected along a warm front stretching into southern Saskatchewan overnight Wednesday.
A low-pressure system will then lift northward across Alberta on Thursday, bringing widespread showers and embedded thunderstorms.
The surface front associated with the low retrograding over Alberta will bring some severe weather for southern Manitoba.
Through Thursday afternoon, the storms lift north along the front, lining out. The result will be strong winds with the risk of large hail.
Winds can become damaging in nature, exceeding 100 km/h with heavy downpours.
Rainfall amounts will vary, with the Elbow region in northern Alberta expected to see the highest totals, ranging from 75-100+ mm through Friday.
Areas from Grande Prairie to west of Fort McMurray could receive 30-50 mm, while Edmonton, Calgary, and Regina are forecast to get 5-15 mm each.
By Saturday, most areas will likely turn drier, but lingering showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible along the foothills and parts of Saskatchewan.
Another wave of moisture will push into southern Alberta and Saskatchewan Sunday afternoon into the evening.
Days of heavy rain in the Elbow region could raise flooding concerns, and those downstream across Alberta should monitor rising water levels. Hail damage is also a risk for crops and property.