A special weather statement was issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada today advising of conditions favourable for the development of funnel clouds. Meteorologist with Environment Canada, Crawford Luke explains the factors that contribute to these conditions, which includes an unstable air mass with surface moisture, and a wind shift or convergence zone.
“What we're seeing is a pretty good trough, so that's kind of our wind shift or convergence zone, then at the same time, we're seeing some higher humidity, so some higher dew points along with those temperatures. That's helping with the moisture in the low levels and also with the unstable air mass. The combination of those two things is kind of what has us concerned about potentially seeing some funnel clouds.”
While there is the likelihood of funnel clouds, Luke says the conditions indicate they are not likely to become tornadoes, describing them as “more of just a spectacle”. Any touchdowns will likely be landspout tornadoes, which he explains are different than supercell tornadoes. This is also why a tornado watch has not been issued.
"The supercell tornado is kind of like what we saw back on June 19th when we had that kind of mini outbreak across southern Saskatchewan there. So those were supercell thunderstorms. The reason we sort of reserve it for those is because those tornadoes on average tend to be quite a bit stronger and they also tend to travel a further distance on the ground.”
“Landspout tornadoes, typically they don't travel as far on the ground and they also tend to be weaker when they do form but it's not to say that they can't do damage.”
Despite this, Luke emphasizes that in the event of a landspout tornado, a warning can still be issued. He urges people to respond to any kind of tornado as though it were a supercell.
“I would still treat them just as I would with any other tornado if I saw one. So that would be trying to get into a substantial shelter, like a sturdy building, trying to get into the most interior room of that building. Try to put as many walls between yourself and the outside as you can.”
If caught outside with no nearby shelter, bunker down in a ditch or low point while covering your head.
Luke says any images, videos, or observations on today's conditions can be relayed to Environment Canada and are appreciated. He encourages people to document anything they see as long as it is safe, as these observations go a long way in determining what's happening on the ground.
This can be shared via emailing the weather office at skstorm@ec.gc.ca or post it on social media using the hashtag #skstorm.
“They're always greatly appreciated by meteorologists. We always kind of joke that we can never have enough. So if anyone sees anything today, that would be much appreciated if they're willing to share.”