Storm threat develops on Prairies once more, tornado threat renews
Alberta contends with another day of severe 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 Alberta and around Canada
Massive wildfires are burning north and south of Jasper, forcing the evacuation of thousands from the national park on Monday night. As of Thursday, the town has suffered significant building and infrastructural losses due to the fire.
Prairies see another day of storms and tornado risk
The heat in Alberta is slowly fading as the ridge relaxes and tracks eastward, making way for an upper trough and surface low 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
Thunderstorms will develop off the foothills west of Red Deer and track eastward through the day.
The storms are expected to cross the QE2 north of Calgary in the mid- to late afternoon hours before making their way along Hwy. 16, along the Saskatchewan border in the evening.
Some late afternoon storm development could also take place in the southeastern region of the province, which will also track into Saskatchewan by the evening hours.
Primary threats with severe storms include large hail, four centimetres or greater, and heavy downpours. Persistent rainfall may bring 75-100 mm totals in the northern sections.
Some of these storms on Thursday could also develop into supercells, which are storms with rotation. These supercell storms could produce tornadoes, a threat forecasters are keeping a close eye on throughout the day.
Extreme heat pushes eastward
Meanwhile, extreme heat is forecast for several days in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where temperatures will push into the mid-to-high 30s, and 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: 'Significant loss' of buildings reported as wildfire reaches Jasper townsite
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.
The break in heat won't last long, however, as warmer-than-normal temperatures will dominate next week, especially across southern areas, with extreme heat at times. Folks in Saskatchewan and Manitoba could once again be looking at highs in the 30s through the beginning of next week.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Alberta and the rest of the Prairies.
