Thunderstorms threaten Alberta & Saskatchewan heading into the work week
Wildfire smoke will be a big wildcard factor in for thunderstorms in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
The same trough that drove storms over the weekend will drift east Monday, pushing the storm threat into southern Alberta as well as southern Saskatchewan.
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Smoke from the ongoing wildfires in northeastern British Columbia may also have some impact on conditions,throw a wrench in forecast, however. The smoke acts as a filter, blocking out some of the Sun's radiant energy, and may delay or even suppress thunderstorm activity.
Remember to limit time outdoors when air quality is poor, as it can have adverse effects on health -- especially for young children and elderly people.
Storm threat also pushes into Saskatchewan Monday
High surface energy Monday will be feed new storm development Monday afternoon and evening. Once again, though, lingering wildfire smoke could limit some of the activity.
The main threats with these scattered thunderstorms will be frequent lightning, gusty winds, and large hail.
Heavy rains could also create a risk for localized flooding, especially in and around Medicine Hat, Alta., where they recently had their rainiest day in May history.
All of this additional rainfall is good news for the region’s long-running drought as we inch closer to the heart of wildfire season. The latest update of the drought monitor continues to show the vast majority of the Prairies mired in a moderate drought or worse as of April 30.
This update doesn’t include the rain we saw during the first week of May, so there’s likely been some further improvement across southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan.
Severe drought remains widespread throughout the northern Prairies, with some relief possibly in sight by the end of next week.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on your forecast across the Prairies.
