Severe instability on Saturday across Alberta and Saskatchewan
Between Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, the Canadian Prairies will experience widespread thunderstorm activity, driven by a low-pressure system currently positioned over northern Alberta. This same system, which brought showers on Friday, will continue to track eastward into Saskatchewan, pulling frontal boundaries across the provinces and setting the stage for renewed rounds of storms.
Saturday: risk of funnel clouds and landspout tornadoes
By Saturday afternoon, atmospheric conditions will become particularly favourable for severe thunderstorms, especially across southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan. Areas most at risk include:
Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.
Forecast models show a potential for funnel clouds, which, under the right circumstances, may develop into landspout tornadoes. These types of tornadoes can form in highly localized wind shear environments, particularly along and east of Highway 11.
The strongest storms in these regions may bring large hail and strong wind gusts.
Sunday: new storms for Alberta foothills
On Sunday, June 15, attention shifts to the Alberta foothills, where another day of active storm development is expected. Places like Calgary and Red Deer could see severe thunderstorms, bringing a renewed threat of hail and damaging winds.
Meanwhile, beneficial rain will continue across northern Alberta, with forecast totals ranging from 30 to 50+ mm (1.2 to 2+ inches) by Monday. This rainfall will provide a significant moisture boost to an area entering the early stages of wildfire season.
Rapidly changing weather conditions
The advancing cold front, combined with abundant moisture and daytime heating, will create the perfect setup for explosive thunderstorm development. Residents are advised to stay closely informed and monitor for any weather watches or warnings.
The atmosphere may evolve quickly on Saturday afternoon and evening, with a real possibility of dangerous conditions developing in a short period of time.
