Multi-day storm risk marches across the eastern Prairies, high heat remains
With the stagnant heat continuing on parts of the Prairies, the threat for severe thunderstorms will move back into eastern areas Wednesday.
The prolonged period of heat and storm chances on the Prairies isn’t going anywhere Wednesday, with more hot temperatures for southern sections, especially in Alberta, while the opportunity for severe weather moves back onto the eastern Prairies. In fact, the 30-degree temperatures may approach monthly record territory for Medicine Hat, Alta. as the region heads towards the end of August. For details on the stubborn heat and stormy pattern, read below.
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Wednesday: Severe storm chance pushes east, extreme heat lingering
The multi-day thunderstorm threat will be sticking around on the Prairies Wednesday, with extreme heat fuelling the chance once again.
This time the storm risk will shift back into the eastern Prairies, with the chance of a few severe thunderstorms along the southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba border. The main hazards will be heavy rain, strong wind gusts and large hail. Alberta will see a reprieve from the storm threat.
The non-severe storm chance will extend into northwestern Ontario as well.
Meanwhile, hot conditions continue on the southern Prairies Wednesday, especially in southern Alberta where the warnings are in place.
The hot conditions are expected to last most of the week and the southern Prairies can expect a long duration stretch of temperatures in the 30s. Temperatures in the mid-20s are more typical for mid-August, so this stretch of prolonged heat is unusual.
WATCH: Nearly every day in August hit 30 degrees in this major Alberta city
Stretch of hot temperatures may yield a new record
The extent of the 30-degree daytime highs could start to approach monthly record territory for Medicine Hat, Alta. as the Prairies head towards the end of the month. At this point, there’s no sign of the hot conditions receding.
Heat warnings are in effect for parts of southern Alberta. Calgary will be sitting at the 30-degree mark for the entire week while Edmonton will begin seeing it by the end.
Here are some recommendations from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to stay safe during this period of abnormally warm temperatures:
Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.
Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.
Temperatures will be cooler for the eastern Prairies -- still warm, but within a few degrees of seasonal. After a stormy start for the aforementioned region, conditions will become drier by late week and on the weekend. A more stormy pattern is possible for the Prairies during the final week of August.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast details on the Prairies.
