In Saskatchewan, tornadoes in September are particularly rare, though not impossible. The province’s tornado season generally peaks in late June and July when the combination of warm surface temperatures and cooler upper-level air is most conducive to storm formation. As temperatures cool and the atmosphere stabilizes, the risk of tornadoes drops significantly.
This year, however, saw an unusual late-season severe weather setup. A moist and unstable air mass, which typically fuels storms in mid-summer, managed to reach Saskatchewan, triggering some of the latest severe weather activity of the season. This air mass, originating from the Gulf of Mexico, normally has an easier path northward in July but faces greater resistance from colder air in the fall, making September tornadoes a rare occurrence.
On Tuesday, September 17, tornado warnings were issued near Ponteix and Vanguard, although no confirmed touchdowns were reported. The following day, a tornado warning was issued near Langbank, resulting in a confirmed touchdown. This marked one of the latest tornadoes recorded in Saskatchewan since 1980 according to data from Northern Tornadoes Project.
As summer comes to an end, the threat of severe weather across Saskatchewan and much of Canada also begins to fade. Typically, by August, the intensity and frequency of storms start to decline, signalling the close of the summer storm season, which usually peaks in June and July.
While August still brings occasional thunderstorms, the hot and humid conditions that fuel severe weather systems start to diminish. As the days shorten, cold fronts become more frequent, gradually pushing out the warm, moist air that contributes to storm development.
By the time September arrives, severe weather events such as thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and damaging winds become increasingly uncommon. Isolated storms can still develop, especially in early September, but they tend to be less intense and affect smaller areas.
This is the second September tornado recorded for the Langbank area. The first occurred on September 1st, 1990. This event may also be the first September tornado to receive a higher rating than EF0. Damage is still being analyzed to rate this event
While September may still bring occasional thunderstorms, Saskatchewan residents can generally expect calmer, cooler weather as autumn settles in. According to data from the Northern Tornadoes Project, Saskatchewan has seen only seven recorded tornadoes in September since 1980, all rated EF0. The previous latest recorded tornado was on September 7, making the September 18 event the latest on record in the province since 1980.