A possible mid-scale convective system, which is a long-duration storm, could slide into southern Saskatchewan overnight into early Sunday and could bring torrential rain and strong winds. Stronger storms are also possible in northern Alberta through the morning hours. Heavy showers and frequent lightning will be the most common feature of the overnight storms as they move around a strong area of high pressure to the south. READ MORE: Rainwater no longer safe to drink due to ‘forever chemicals’, study says The risk of severe thunderstorms is focused on eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba. Large hail could occur and some hail has the potential to exceed 4 cm in diameter. A thunderstorm risk will continue to track east on Monday, providing an opportunity for storm development across a wider area of southern Manitoba. Temperatures in the grasslands are unusually high with thermometers in some areas showing 5-7°C above season.
Next week: Rising heat will blanket the prairies
A ridge of high pressure originating south of the border will push into the southern prairies next week. This will bring high heat to the provinces and is expected to last most of the week. Southern prairies can expect long stretches of high temperatures in the 30s. The stretch of daily highs in the 30s could start to approach monthly record territory for Medicine Hat as the region heads into the middle of the month.
