Rainfall returns to Northern and Central Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is finally receiving some long-awaited precipitation, with the first scattered showers appearing across Northern Saskatchewan on Friday morning. These rains are forecast to persist through Saturday, offering much-needed relief from the dry conditions that have plagued the region in recent weeks.
As the day progresses, this wet weather is expected to expand into Central Saskatchewan, bringing non-severe thunderstorms. These may produce brief bursts of gusty winds, potentially reaching 70 km/h (about 43 mph), along with small hail. However, the primary benefit of these storms will be the moderate to significant rainfall, something that has been sorely lacking.
Southern Saskatchewan sees rain early Saturday
Moving into Saturday, the early morning hours should bring light precipitation to Southern Saskatchewan, followed by a second, more organized round of steady rain as the system wraps around a low-pressure area drifting south from the Territories.
This system is expected to track southeast, increasing rain coverage across the province, particularly into Eastern Saskatchewan, by Sunday morning and afternoon. However, Southwestern regions are projected to remain relatively dry, with noticeably less rainfall compared to the rest of the province.
Rainfall amounts and wildfire implications
By the end of Sunday, most of Saskatchewan is forecast to receive 10 to 50 mm (0.4 to 2 inches) of rain, with Eastern and Central areas likely to benefit most. Crucially, this includes zones affected by ongoing wildfires, which may finally see significant relief thanks to cooler temperatures and sustained rainfall.
Despite this improvement, firefighting efforts may still face complications due to persistent strong wind gusts, expected to continue through the weekend. These winds, potentially up to 70 km/h (43 mph), could exacerbate fire spread risks, even as soil moisture gradually increases.
Looking ahead to the beginning of next week
The precipitation event is forecast to dissipate by late Sunday, leaving behind residual cloud cover and slightly cooler air masses for Monday. While not every region will benefit equally, the overall pattern marks a welcome shift toward more active weather, bringing hope for additional rainfall in the weeks ahead.
