Scattered thunderstorms kept our Rainwatchers busy Sunday. A cold front moving through the Red River Valley and Southeastern Manitoba was the focus for storm initiation, which did lead to severe thunderstorm watches and warnings being issued in a couple places, including the Winkler and Morden area mid-afternoon.
"And it was that trigger, or area of forcing, that had been missing the days previous," explained CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. "Yes, we had the odd pop-up thunderstorm Thursday through Saturday, but it wasn't until we saw that cold front back into the area from the east that we saw relatively larger coverage. With that said, thunderstorm and rainfall was still spotty, but you can clearly see where those developed in our Rainwatcher totals."
The following totals are courtesy PembinaValleyOnline Rainwatchers, Environment Canada and the Manitoba Ag Weather Network:
Woodmore - 50mm (two inches)
Minto - 39.5mm (almost 1.6 inches)
Elma - 25mm (1 inch)
Richer - 24.6mm
Marchand - 20.3mm
Morden (north side) - 20mm
Manitou - 19.6mm (almost 8/10th)
Jordan corner - 9.2mm
Elm Creek - 6.2mm
Gretna - 4.6mm
Emerson - 3.1mm
Dominion City - 2.5mm (1/10)
Steinbach - trace
25mm = 1 inch
The hot and humid conditions from the weekend will continue Monday, with highs around 32, but feeling closer to 40. A Heat Warning remains in effect for most of Southern Manitoba. There's also all small chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and early this evening.
"Very warm and moist air, for this time of year, will continue to stay settled over the region today and Tuesday setting up a forecast very similar to the previous three or four days," said Sumner. "An upper level ridge continues to keep things similar to what they've been, and that means daytime heating, and ample moisture in the atmosphere, leading to that usual Summer-like thunderstorm risk. A frontal boundary moving east to west may lead to storm initiation Monday afternoon into the evening hours."
Sumner noted the severe thunderstorm risk remains low, but any storms that do develop could border on reaching that criteria, specifically from a heavy rainfall perspective, considering how much moisture is in the atmosphere, right now.
And when will the early taste of mid-Summer weather end?
"Right now, it's looking like a stronger cold front will move through the region Wednesday or Thursday, bringing a brief end to the muggy conditions," he said. "That will also mean a better chance for thunderstorms, possibly severe. Seasonal, to slightly above temperatures, are expected Thursday and Friday, before another upper ridge builds over the area, brining a return to hot and humid conditions."