The Estevan area experienced intense winds late last week, causing widespread damage and leaving residents to clean up fallen trees and debris.
Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke confirmed the region recorded the strongest wind gusts in the province during the storm. “Estevan with 91 kilometers an hour, that was actually the strongest wind gusts we had in the province that day,” said Luke.
He explained the high winds were tied to a cold front moving through southeastern Saskatchewan. “There was just a really tight pressure gradient behind that front. The air pressure was rising quite rapidly after the front went through, and that created those really windy days,” Luke said.
Local residents reported significant damage from the storm, including roofs torn apart, trees knocked over, and property damage across the community.
Looking ahead, Luke said the weather pattern for the region will bring warm conditions for the coming days. “We are continuing to see warm and dry conditions, very reminiscent of an early September warm spell,” he said, noting daytime highs in the mid to high 20s are expected.
There is a chance of showers and possible thunderstorms later this week, particularly Thursday into the weekend. Luke added that September overall is looking warmer than normal, and while some rain is possible, the region should hold onto above-average temperatures for much of the month.
When asked about concerns of an early winter tied to volcanic activity overseas, Luke said it does not appear to be an issue. “I haven’t really heard anything about this eruption in terms of it cooling down the atmosphere,” he explained, pointing out that the scale of the event did not compare to past eruptions that affected global weather patterns.
For Luke, the weather has always been a passion. He said he knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue meteorology. “I always wanted to be like a weather guy and become a meteorologist,” he said. “As long as I can remember, I just always loved the weather.”