A complex of, at times, severe thunderstorms thundered across much of Southern Manitoba during the early morning hours of Saturday. Where more significant storm cells tracked, significant rainfall was reported in some locations in Western Manitoba, as well as the Pembina Valley. According to Environment Canada, very strong wind gusts were also part of the system, with a report of wind gusts of 117 km/h near McAuley and 90 km/h at Brandon.
“Widespread rainfall totals between 25 and 35mm, and much higher in some locations, are coming in from the Southwestern part of the province, as well as the Pembina Valley,” explained CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. “As this area of convective activity moved eastward this morning, it started running out of gas, if you will, and rainfall amounts tapered off fairly quickly once you were east of Winkler and into the western part of the Red River Valley.”
The following totals are courtesy PembinaValleyOnline Rainwatchers and the Manitoba Ag Weather Network, and are for Saturday, July 16th through 12 p.m.:
Mountainside – 70.8mm (2.8 inches - just north of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park)
Boissevain – 53.8mm (almost 2.2 inches)
Deloraine – 51.2mm (nearing 2.1 inches)
Killarney – 44.6mm (almost 1.8 inches)
Cartwright – 35.7mm (about 1.4 inches)
Clearwater – 33.9mm
Minto – 27.8 (just over 1.1 inches)
Souris – 26.5mm
Virden – 24.1mm
Winkler (south of city) – 23.4mm (around 9/10th)
Manitou – 21.0mm
Glenboro – 20.7mm
Brandon – 15mm (6/10th)
Wawanesa – 14.4mm
Carman – 9.1mm
Morris – 5.7mm
Kane – 5.3mm
Altona (in town) – 5mm (2/10th)
Dominion City – 2.8mm
25mm = 1 inch
And with this latest round of thunderstorms out of the way, a very steamy weekend is set to unfold.
“Over the course of the day a very warm and moist air-mass will be building into the region as a ridge of high pressure allows it to flow northward out of the U.S.,” said Sumner. “Heat Warnings are in place across much of Southern Manitoba, and they will be until at least Monday. Daytime highs will be in the 30 to 35 range, but the shear amount of humidity associated with this system will make it feel like the low to mid-40s. At this point, it’s looking like Sunday will be the most uncomfortable day, with highs potentially reaching 35, or so, and the humidity making it feel like 40 to 45.”
Sumner noted the hot and humid weather will continue Monday, but will be dialed back somewhat, with highs in the upper 20s and the humidity making it feel like the mid to upper 30s.
“I’m continuing to keep an eye on the potential for severe thunderstorm development throughout the region Monday night into Tuesday as a potent low moves into this moisture rich environment,” he added. “All the ingredients will be there for a stormy evening and overnight into Tuesday, with substantial rainfall in the cards. Beyond Tuesday, the forecast models are showing a return to seasonal, or slightly above temperatures, heading into next weekend.”