Sprawling storm plasters Prairies with rain, funnel cloud risk
A pattern change on the Prairies will be a tale of two seasons with warmth for some, cool temperatures for others and a lot of rain for many
Drenching rains will continue on parts of the Prairies into Friday as a sprawling low-pressure system churns over the centre of the region.
Another storm risk will develop for some communities on Friday, complete with a funnel cloud risk in spots.
Some of the areas hardest hit by the heavy rainfall along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border could see 50-75+ mm of rain fall through Friday morning.
Visit our Complete Guide to Fall 2024 for an in-depth look at the Fall Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more!
The rain will be beneficial for northern sections of Saskatchewan still dealing with ongoing wildfires, but also heightens the threat for localized flooding. Be sure to stay alert to the changing conditions and any watches and warnings that are issued in your area.
Through Friday:
A low-pressure system that moseyed north of the international border on Thursday brought plenty of heavy rain and thunderstorms to the Prairies on Thursday. Severe thunderstorm watches spanned southeastern Saskatchewan through Thursday evening.
The risk for thunderstorms pushes north and east on Friday as our low continues moving northward. A risk for severe thunderstorms will cover northern portions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including La Ronge and The Pas, where heavy rain and small hail will be the main risk. A risk for funnel clouds may develop here as the core of the low moves overhead.
Plentiful rainfall is accompanying this system aside from the thunderstorm risk. Rainfall rates up to 5 mm/h are possible at times, especially in southeastern Alberta. Heavier pockets of rain could also pick up Thursday overnight and into Friday morning.
A general 10-20 mm of rain is expected for the city of Calgary, while Alberta communities bordering with Saskatchewan could see closer to 50-75+ mm. Lethbridge and Medicine Hat could both pick up some of those heavier totals.
Summer versus fall: The temperatures say it all
A large low in September is ripe for a significant temperature gradient, and we’re seeing that seasonal spread in spades to end the week.
Much of Alberta will get an early taste of fall, remaining seasonably cool for most of this week. Calgary will sit about 7°C cooler than normal.
Meanwhile, parts of Manitoba will certainly enjoy a late blast of summer heat as temperatures soar close to the 30-degree mark.
For more on exactly what to expect, be sure to check out our official 2024 Fall Forecast.
Due to the track of the storms northward into Nunavut, temperatures will remain well-above normal for Manitoba and northwestern Ontario for the next 10 days.
Header image of a funnel cloud submitted by Melissa McKenzie.
