Residents across southeast Saskatchewan, including Weyburn, Pangman, Ogema, and surrounding communities, are being advised to keep a close watch on the skies today as conditions are shaping up for a potentially stormy evening.
According to Golden West weather expert and storm chaser Jenny Hagan, a low-pressure system moving in from Alberta is expected to initiate thunderstorms in the southwest corner of the province this afternoon. As those storms move eastward, they are likely to merge into a more organized line as they approach southeast Saskatchewan, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts and hail.
“We’re looking at some 80 kilometre an hour wind gusts or higher as that system pushes through,” said Hagan. “Sometimes with these systems, you also have a bit of a hail threat, probably quarter-size hail with those types of systems. But the main threat is the wind gusts.”
Forecast model guidance and atmospheric soundings from the College of DuPage suggest that storm initiation is most likely between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m., lining up with the supper hour and early evening. The storms are expected to be fast-moving and high-based due to dry air near the surface, a setup that enhances the risk of strong downbursts capable of producing sudden, damaging winds.
“Anybody that’s outside today is going to want to keep an eye on the weather and get in safely before those storms roll in,” Hagan advised, particularly noting the number of people currently outdoors at local ballparks during the summer sports season.
Although the risk of tornadoes remains very low for today, the general trend is toward increasing atmospheric instability through the week. Hagan noted that this could lead to additional storm development, potentially more severe, as the province continues to see a build-up of heat and moisture.
“We are really looking at an active week ahead,” she said. “A lot of the storms will be non-severe in nature, but some could become more significant as conditions evolve.
Environment Canada has not issued any watches or warnings as of midday Tuesday, but that could change quickly as the system approaches. Residents are encouraged to monitor official forecasts and updates, particularly later this afternoon and into the early evening.
You can stay up to date with the latest forecast by visiting the Discover Weyburn Weather page.