Unyielding storm sparks tornado warnings and watches on the Prairies
Tornado warnings and watches have ended in for portions of Manitoba. The main risk zone for supercells and a tornadic threat this afternoon were in the west and central parts of the province.
--
The consecutive stretch of severe weather on the Prairies continued Saturday, with another opportunity for tornadoes in parts of the region. A branch of the same storm energy that sparked tornadoes in Saskatchewan on Friday will continue to move east, likely to set off storms once again in the province, and in Manitoba, as well. Sunday will see the threat become more scattered and less potent in nature, but still present. What you need to know about Saturday's storm and tornado risk, as well as when to expect to see a break from the severe weather, below.
MUST READ: 5 essentials to take to the farmers’ market with you on sunny days
WEEKEND: UNRELENTING THREAT OF SEVERE STORMS, TORNADO CHANCE SATURDAY
A surface trough will push into Saskatchewan and Manitoba Saturday, acting as the trigger for scattered thunderstorms in the latter half of the day.
The main risk zone for supercells and a tornadic threat will be in central and western Manitoba and a risk for severe thunderstorms across much of southerneastern Saskatchewan later Saturday afternoon and into the evening.
A squall-like feature will likely form across the Interlake Region late afternoon and continue into the early evening, bringing heavy rainfall locally and strong winds.
The large hail threat, as well as intense lightning, will continue into the late-evening hours across Saskatchewan and Manitoba as storms continue to track east.
Make sure you have a way to receive severe weather alerts the moment they’re issued, and have a plan to shelter from dangerous conditions as you go about your day on Saturday.
In Alberta, there is also a risk of severe thunderstorms for communitities in the southwestern region of the province. Red Deer and surrounding areas could see strong wind gusts and heavy rain.
A possible MCS (mesoscale convective system) or a cluster of thunderstorms will move in overnight into southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
This system is expected through the pre-dawn hours Sunday. Forecasters are watching for powerful thunderstorms to skirt the international border, bringing frequent lightning, torrential rain, and potential for large hail.
On Sunday, the stormy pattern will continue with another day of severe weather potential for the eastern Prairies.
The risk will shift southward and eastward across the region, stretching from southern areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba to northwestern Ontario.
Storms will be scattered in nature, however, but could still produce large hail, strong wind gusts and heavy rain.
PHOTOS: Structural damage reported as tornado-warned storms hit Alberta
Looking ahead, a strengthening ridge will bring heat to the region, especially early and mid-next week.
The hot weather will be especially felt by Wednesday with temperatures reaching the low- to mid-30s across southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, then spreading east.
As well, for next week, some welcome news for those weary of the prolonged thunderstorm threats: A few days of quieter weather is expected for the Prairies.
WATCH BELOW: THREE CONSECUTIVE TORNADOES TOUCH DOWN IN SASKATCHEWAN ON FRIDAY
--
Thumbnail courtesy of Patty Booth, taken northeast of Blaine Lake, Sask., on July 8.
Be sure to check back for the latest updates on the storm threat across the Prairies.