Severe storm, funnel cloud risk renews Saturday on the Prairies
Stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions on Saturday and Sunday
The same system responsible for a stormy Friday on the western Prairies will spark a renewed risk for strong to severe thunderstorms across the region on Saturday.
Conditions may be favourable for funnel clouds across parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, including the Edmonton area.
Pay close attention to rapidly changing weather conditions in your area, and keep an eye out for potential severe weather watches and warnings throughout the day.
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Severe storm risk bubbles up again Saturday
A low-pressure system across northern Alberta will push east into Saskatchewan on Saturday, dragging fronts across the provinces that will serve as the spark to develop renewed rounds of thunderstorms.
Saturday’s risk for thunderstorms covers most of southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan. Forecasters expect storms to develop in the afternoon and track east through the evening hours.
The risk for severe storms will remain concentrated along and east of Highway 11, including Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. The strongest storms here could produce large hail and strong wind gusts.
Dynamics will be favourable again Saturday for potential funnel clouds from Edmonton east into portions of Saskatchewan. There’s a chance that stronger and more organized funnel clouds could reach the surface as a landspout tornado. Remain alert for this possibility if you’re in the area to start the weekend, and have a plan in place to take shelter if needed.
Sunday is another day to stay aware of changing weather conditions across the Prairies. A few of the storms could turn severe across the Alberta foothills, including Calgary and Red Deer.
Meanwhile, beneficial rains will continue for portions of northern Alberta, where forecasters expect 30-50+ mm of additional accumulation through Monday—a great boost to the region amid the start of wildfire season.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Alberta.