Blustery winds, hail possible in Manitoba as severe storm threat rises
Some rain relief is on the way to aid the Manitoba wildfires battle, but it could come with severe weather on Saturday, including a risk of large hail and gusty winds
With Manitoba still dealing with expansive wildfires, the forecast could yield some good news with impending rainfall, but parts of the province could also see severe weather to go with the precipitation.
Saturday will be a day to be weather-aware for folks in the central and southern parts of Manitoba, especially in the latter, with a chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Some locales could see severe thunderstorms develop in the afternoon and evening.
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Any severe storm that does come to fruition may bring strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy downpours. While any thunderstorm presents lightning as a risk, the threat should remain south of the forested areas, so the chance of new blazes sparking up is low.
Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the weather alerts and warnings that may be issued in your area.
Severe thunderstorm threat Saturday
A low-pressure system's associated cold front may trigger some strong storms in parts of Manitoba on Saturday afternoon and evening.
The low, which is responsible for the much-needed rain for the fires in the northern section of Manitoba, will sweep a cold front across the southern section.
Storms will develop in the early afternoon on Saturday in southwestern Manitoba, and move east through the remainder of the day. Straight-line winds up to 90 km/h will be the main threat as the storms merge along the front.
There is a chance for isolated storms to briefly develop ahead of the front in the mid-afternoon, before being swept up with the cold front. These storms will have the best chance of producing large hail.
The approximate storm timing for Winnipeg, Man., will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
The rain is certainly good news for areas vulnerable to the wildfire conditions. While any thunderstorm presents lightning as a risk, the threat should remain south of the forested areas, so the chance of new blazes sparking up is low.
