Our risk of severe to severe storms will continue this weekend as high temperatures and instability build up in the southern prairies. Any storm rain is good news for areas that have fallen in a major drought in recent months, although heavy rain could also cause localized flooding problems for some. Learn more about the weekend storm threat and the heat it will bring, below.
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THIS WEEKEND: SEVERE DAY THREAT THREAT IN THE MIDDLE OF EXTREME HEAT
Severe storms will return to southern Alberta and Saskatchewan on Saturday as a low-pressure system moves north from Montana to southern Saskatchewan.
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Isolated to scattered storms will develop between the afternoon and early evening hours, with more chances of becoming intense in the evening.
The dynamics are favorable for supercells in southern Alberta, and carry the risk of hail.
On Sunday, the threat of the storm pushes eastward into southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba as the low-pressure system continues to advance eastward. With extreme heat, there is likely to be a limit in place, but storms that can break probably become severe very quickly.
EXPECTED HEAT WARNINGS IN EFFECT
In addition to the threat of multi-day storms, days of high heat and tropical humidity will extend from west to east across the southern prairies this weekend. Daily records of temperature and hazardous humidex values are likely.
Heat warnings are in effect throughout Saskatchewan, as a heat dome in the southern United States will climb the northern part of the ridge toward the prairies.
Widespread temperatures are expected to drop below mid-30 degrees on Saturday in south and central Saskatchewan, while southern Manitoba will be the focus of the average heat of 30 ° C on Sunday.
“Extreme heat affects everyone,” says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the heat warning.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses and people who work or exercise outdoors. Monitor the effects of heat illness: bloating, rashes , cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of some health conditions Drink plenty of water even before you are thirsty and stay in a cool place Check out family, friends and older neighbors Make sure they are fresh and drink water. “
Much cooler conditions are expected next week, though they will sometimes stay warmer for parts of Manitoba.
Be sure to check back for updates this weekend as we continue to fine-tune the forecast details on the timing and severity of the storm.