MUST READ: How to create a memorable outdoor dining experience
This weekend: Ongoing thunderstorm risk, with wind and hail threats
The cold front will be moving north to south across Alberta and Saskatchewan on Saturday, possibly helping to trigger off a series of severe storms. The system will produce showers across western Alberta early Saturday morning, potentially leading to the development of scattered thunderstorms as the day progresses into the early afternoon. They could reach severe limits in eastern Alberta, and southern sections of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the threat extending into parts of northwestern Ontario. The main hazards with any storm that becomes severe will be heavy rain, strong wind gusts and large hail. The front will also bring near seasonal temperatures to Alberta on Saturday, slightly cooler in the south. A mere 12-degree difference in temperatures between Calgary, Alta., and Saskatoon, Sask. Meanwhile on Sunday, the cold front will change direction over Saskatchewan and move west to east across the province and Manitoba, potentially reaching northwestern Ontario, as well. The severe storm threat on Sunday will be slightly minimal across the eastern Prairies. Areas in central and northern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario could see potent storms bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, but hail is also possible. The front will bring even cooler conditions across the Prairies Sunday, with widespread temperatures into the 20s.
Look ahead: Heat returns, stormy pattern relaxes
The cooler weather is all thanks to a trough, but at the start of next week comes more heat. Another ridge of high pressure will dominate, pushing that trough into Eastern Canada. Temperatures are forecast to reach the low 30s by the middle of the week, accompanied by some humidity. In fact, a heat wave is expected for several days for the final days of August and into the start of September, especially for western and central parts of the region where temperatures will reach the low- to mid-30s. A rather quiet pattern is anticipated for most of next week. Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across the Prairies.
