More severe storms target the Prairies, risk moves into Ontario Saturday
An encore of Thursday’s stormy weather could bubble on the eastern Prairies as folks kick off the long holiday weekend
A rocky end to the workweek is on tap as a threat for severe thunderstorms builds again in the skies over Manitoba on Friday, shifting east into parts of northern Ontario for Saturday.
Scattered thunderstorms are likely to develop in the warm air over southern Manitoba on Friday afternoon. Dynamics are in place for some of these storms to turn severe, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain. Rotation is possible in some of the storms.
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The severe thunderstorm potential spills into Saturday as the low pushes into northwestern Ontario, with strong winds and hail the main threats for the region. There will be a brief window for embedded rotation, as well, so we cannot rule out the chance for a tornado.
Closely monitor severe weather warnings and stay close to safe shelter in case you have to take cover in a hurry.
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Severe thunderstorms continue in southeastern Sask. and Manitoba on Friday
Thunderstorms blossomed in the warm, unstable air parked over the Prairies on Thursday, prompting Canada’s first tornado warnings of the year in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
A few of Thursday’s storms prompted severe thunderstorm warnings across southern Manitoba, including in the City of Winnipeg. One storm even produced accumulating hail in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
An encore presentation is possible for some on Friday as the low-pressure system responsible for the hubbub travels east across the region.
Warm, unstable air parked over southern portions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba will combine with favourable winds to fuel a risk for scattered thunderstorms. Storms would develop on Friday afternoon and evening, continuing into the nighttime hours.
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Dynamics are in place for some of those storms to turn severe. Supercells are possible. The greatest threat with any severe storms would be damaging wind gusts, large hail, and locally heavy rainfall. A tornado threat can’t be ruled out.
Forecasters are also watching the potential for stateside thunderstorms to push north of the border with a threat for damaging winds, though there’s some uncertainty surrounding this particular risk.
The storm threat will continue through the overnight hours in Manitoba, pushing into northwestern Ontario as well.
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Storm risk shifts east into northern Ontario Saturday
The severe thunderstorm potential spills into Saturday as the low pushes eastwards. By the afternoon and evening hours, a line of storms will develop east of Dryden, Ont., which could bring strong winds and hail.
There is a window for brief, embedded rotation within the line, which could produce a tornado.
Those in the affected risk areas are urged to stay alert for the latest weather warnings and to have a plan in place in case severe weather threatens. Conditions can change quickly when severe weather hits.
Long weekend chill dominates the Prairies
Expect a chilly and soggy pattern to dominate the Prairies heading into the long holiday weekend.
While Manitoba will start the weekend on a milder note, a broad trough digging over the centre of the country will bring below-seasonal temperatures and widespread rain through the holiday.
Precipitation moving into the northern Prairies is fantastic news for areas battling ongoing wildfires. Between 30-50 mm of beneficial rain is forecast.
Check back for all the latest on your forecast across the Prairies.
