Prairies face a rocky Canada Day as severe storm risk continues
Another round of vigorous thunderstorms could sprout in the skies over the Prairies on Canada Day. Keep a close eye on watches and warnings through the day
It’s been a rough week for severe weather on the Prairies, and Canada Day won’t be any exception as a favourable setup spreads over much of the region.
Keep the radar handy on your phone if you’re under the threat for storms on Saturday, and make a plan to seek shelter in a hurry if hazardous weather approaches your location.
DON'T MISS: Sunscreen or umbrellas: Flexible plans needed this Canada Day long weekend
Saturday
Areas: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
Timing: Afternoon and evening hours
Weather: We’re on alert for widespread severe weather across the Prairies once again on Saturday as a favourable environment builds over the region.
At the surface, warm and humid air will provide the energy needed to fuel strong to severe thunderstorms.
A low-pressure system moving through Alberta will serve as the trigger to scoop that unstable air skyward, giving storms the spark they need to develop and thrive.
Strong upper-level winds aloft will give those storms the ‘kick’ they need to organize and surpass severe limits.
Given those factors, the dynamics over the Prairies should be favourable enough for some of the storms to grow quite vigorous, capable of producing very large hail and possibly even a couple of tornadoes, alongside the risk for strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall.
The greatest threat will cover central Alberta and southern Saskatchewan. Additional severe thunderstorms are possible through northern portions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
WATCH: Lightning safety tips you need to know this summer
A threat for potent thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours on Canada Day is especially tricky given the number of outdoor plans and activities scheduled throughout the region.
DON'T MISS: Tornadoes can happen anywhere—and cities aren't immune
Keep The Weather Network’s app handy on your phone to peek at the radar and keep up with watches and warnings as the day progresses.
Stay close to safe shelter in case storms threaten your location. And remember, the greatest danger in any thunderstorm is lightning. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning.
Thumbnail courtesy of Braydon Morisseau.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on the severe storm threat across the Prairies.