Parts of southwest Saskatchewan are dealing with a severe thunderstorm watch this evening.
The watch comes in conjunction with a heat warning already in effect for much of the area as well.
"We do have the dynamics for some more active weather in parts of southwest Saskatchewan including Swift Current," said Christy Climenhaga, Scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. "The risk of those severe storms developing through the rest of the evening... producing large hail, very strong wind gusts, and heavy rain.
"There is also the slight risk of some rotation in the region. There is a chance of a tornado, but it is a pretty marginal chance."
Environment Canada warns thunderstorms are expected to develop along a cold front in Southern Alberta early this evening and track eastward into Southwest Saskatchewan.
The threat of severe thunderstorms could diminish later this evening.
"We had a fairly active June across the province," said Crawford Luke, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. "We've had a few tornadoes in the southwest region as well. Provincially, Saskatchewan averages the second highest number of tornadoes each year behind only Ontario."
There are some basic steps to take if you are concerned about the severity of the storm.
"If you get a tornado warning, see a tornado, or just feel unsafe, there is no safe to be that's outside," Luke said. "You want to try to get into a substantial shelter as best as you can. If you can get into a basement, that's ideal. Otherwise, just trying to put as many walls between yourself and the outside."
