Storm opportunity arises again on the Prairies with heat moving east
Alberta contends with another day of thunderstorm opportunity on Thursday, with beneficial rains for the wildfires, while parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba deal with a period of extreme heat
The Prairies are dealing with an variety of extreme weather this week –– from heat and wildfires to severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and even tornado warnings.
A low-pressure system will ride along a ridge of high pressure, firing off thunderstorms for the next several days. Storms will likely be severe, fuelled by extreme summer heat, which has now moved into Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Stay with The Weather Network’s wildfire hub for the latest on fires across B.C. and around Canada
With a nocturnal threat for thunderstorms in parts of Alberta Wednesday overnight, be sure to regularly check for watches and warnings as conditions can change quickly when severe weather hits.
Massive wildfires are burning just south of Jasper, Alta., with flames moving closer to the community. Thankfully, some much-needed relief is coming to help quell some of the wildfire hot spots in Alberta –– with 75-100 mm possible in northern Alberta.
Prairies see storm risk reappear as heat pushes east
Nocturnal thunderstorms are expected Wednesday overnight near the northern foothills and Elbow region, then tracking northeastward and near Edmonton. Those storms could bring downpours and gusty winds through the night.
The heat in Alberta is slowly fading as the ridge relaxes and tracks eastward, making way for an upper trough that will bring the risk for thunderstorms and rain again on Thursday, and eventually cooler temperatures.
RELATED: Thousands of tourists among those forced to flee Jasper National Park
Massive wildfires are burning north and south of Jasper, forcing the evacuation of thousands from the national park on Monday night.
(The Weather Network)
The flames were moving closer to the community as of Wednesday, and relief can't come soon enough.
Thursday presents a continuation of thunderstorm threats in Alberta and Saskatchewan as the extreme heat ridge shifts farther east.
The low slowly moves, if not stalls, over northern Alberta, swirling in rounds of severe thunderstorms through the day.
Primary threats with severe storms include large hail, four centimetres or greater, and heavy downpours.
DON'T MISS: Staying hydrated on a hot day is a lot more important than you think
Persistent rainfall may bring 75-100 mm totals in the northern sections.
Meanwhile, extreme heat is forecast for several days in Saskatchewan and Manitoba where temperatures will push into the mid-to-high 30, with very mild overnight lows only dipping down to the 20s.
Humidex values during the day Thursday could approach 40.
Heat warnings are in place for southern Saskatchewan and parts of southern Manitoba. If you need to be outside, wear appropriate sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
SEE ALSO: Best practices to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke
WATCH: An in-depth analysis of the Jasper fire situation unfolding
Much “cooler” weather will slowly spread east across the region by late week. High temperatures on Friday will range from the mid-teens for parts of northern Alberta to the low- to mid-30s for southeastern Manitoba.
Warmer-than-normal temperatures will dominate next week, especially across southern areas, with extreme heat at times.
Thumbnail courtesy of Jeff Adams, taken in Red Deer, Alta.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Alberta.
