Heads-up, Saskatchewan: Favourable conditions for funnel clouds arises
Folks in parts of western and central Saskatchewan will need to stay alert and pay attention to the weather forecast into Tuesday evening, as there will be a chance of funnel clouds developing.
A lingering trough over Saskatchewan, the same system responsible for triggering thunderstorms in Alberta on Monday, will bring a risk for lightning and funnel clouds in parts of the province into this evening.
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As a result of the funnel cloud threat, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a weather advisory for several locales in west-central Saskatchewan.
Funnel clouds can form in environments with thunderstorms and rotating columns of air. It is a cone or funnel-shaped condensation cloud that extends from a storm without reaching the surface.
Be sure to stay weather-aware and alert to all of the advisories, watches and warnings in your area as conditions quickly change throughout the evening.
Current advisories in place:
City of Saskatoon
Martensville - Warman - Rosthern- Delisle - Wakaw
Outlook - Watrous - Hanley - Imperial - Dinsmore
Kindersley - Rosetown - Biggar - Wilkie - Macklin
The Battlefords - Unity - Maidstone - St. Walburg
Prince Albert - Shellbrook - Spiritwood - Duck Lake
Meadow Lake - Big River - Green Lake - Pierceland.
Île-à-la-Crosse - Buffalo Narrows - Beauval
11:04 AM CST: A weather advisory has been issued for the aforementioned regions in Saskatchewan.
Conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds this afternoon and early this evening in west-central Saskatchewan.
A weak trough will trigger isolated, stormy weather (but non-severe and elevated in nature) in western Saskatchewan on Tuesday. Due to the wind shift, rotating up and downdrafts could produce small hail and funnel clouds.
Typically, funnel clouds alone are not dangerous. However, if they are able to extend to the surface, they would become a tornado. In that case, it could cause damage. The risk on Tuesday appears very low, but it's good to stay informed with latest alerts.
Parts of Saskatchewan will see winds begin to pick up throughout Tuesday, gusting to 30-50 km/h.
The threat for funnel cloud development will ease Tuesday evening.
Thumbnail is a archival image, courtesy of Stephanie Waldner, taken in Regina, Sask.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for Saskatchewan.