The threat of thunderstorms has blanketed much of the prairies Saturday with the potential risk of severe storms moving into the center of the provinces. Heavy rain and gusty winds are possible, as well as hail and supercell development in Saskatchewan. After the tantrum ends, the heat will increase especially in the southern regions. More on what to expect Saturday and next week below.
Potentially severe storms dominate the prairies Saturday
Daylight Savings Time on the Prairies seems to be turning up the heat, a storm trying to break the heat and then start over. Saturday next week continues the course with the possibility of strong storms followed by the warming of the provinces.
Warm, unsettled air builds Saturday fueling storms across Alberta and Saskatchewan, as far west as Manitoba. The storms are expected to move in the afternoon and evening hours in the Pradera provinces.
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Some of the storms may become severe with the risk of heavy rain and strong winds. Strong updrafts and downdrafts could allow potentially large hail to develop, especially in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan could also see storms develop into supercells in the province.
Outside of storm risk temperatures, both the southern and northern regions of the province are experiencing elevated temperatures, with thermometers in some areas between 5 and 7°C above seasonal.
Next week: rising heat to cover the Prairies
A ridge of high pressure coming from south of the border will push into the southern Prairies regions during the coming week. This will bring a lot of heat to the provinces and is expected to last most of the week.
The southern prairies can expect a long stretch of high temperatures in the 30s. Extended daytime highs in the 30s could begin to approach monthly record territory for Medicine Hat as the region climbs into middle of the month
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest on the Prairie storm threat.