Risk for severe storms rises on the Prairies, heat may break records
The Prairies are enjoying summer-like temperatures, though accompanied by thunderstorm risk this weekend. The warmth will get cranked by early next week -- setting the stage for potential record-breaking heat for some areas.
Summer may still be a little more than a month away, but that hasn't stopped the Prairies from seeing temperatures reflective of the forthcoming season, rising steadily throughout the last week, staying more than mild – in the mid- to upper-20s – this weekend. Though the warmth has fuelled a fair bit of storm risk over that time period, Sunday sees that risk far less widespread than it has been. Beyond the weekend, the heat will be turned up a notch – with the region seeing a fair shot at experiencing the first 30-degree daytime highs in Canada this year, possibly breaking records. For a closer look, see below.
SUNDAY: STORM RISK SUBSIDES SOMEWHAT
The potential for thunderstorms will pop up once again on Sunday, but will be more sporadic than on Saturday, with the risk area greatly drawn back. Areas that could see them will be southern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario with a weak cold front, as well as the northern foothills in Alberta.
Any storms that do fire up will be non-severe, however, but may still bring heavy rain and small hail.
Temperatures, meanwhile, will be quite warm and will continue to rise through the weekend. Sunday will bring much of the same temperatures as on Saturday, even nudging up a couple degrees.
By early next week, there's even a chance parts of the region may hit 30°C, which would be Canada's first shot at that threshold this year.
BEYOND: POTENTIAL RECORD-BREAKING HEAT BEFORE IT RELAXES, SOUTHERN AREAS REMAIN DRY
Come Monday, all three Prairie provinces will be fighting to reach the 30-degree mark for the first time in 2021. Some areas such as Prince Albert and Brandon will likely see their warmest day since August 2020.
The heat will relax during the second half of the week, with temperatures taking a considerable drop in Alberta, but they will remain above seasonal for southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
"Unfortunately, southern areas will remain very dry through the middle of next week," says Dr. Doug Gillham, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
The warmth will accompany moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing some much-needed moisture to the eastern Prairies later in the week. This will fuel a late-week system across the region.
Be sure to check back for the latest updates on the warming temperatures and drought conditions across the Prairies.
