Severe storm risk spans Sask., Man., and NW Ont.; large hail possible
An unstable environment has set up across the Prairies, with severe thunderstorms expected to hit several provinces by the end of the week.
A broad and active storm pattern is taking shape across the Prairies, posing a multi-day threat of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and damaging winds in parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario.
The setup includes several moving parts, including a slow-moving low and incoming moisture from the U.S.––creating a volatile environment through Friday.
Similar storm conditions are developing in Alberta, where a stalled system is causing several rounds of severe weather this week.
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Wednesday: Rain and storms build across Manitoba
A low-pressure system swirling over Manitoba's Interlake region will likely dump heavy rain and bring thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Downpours, lightning and large hail are the main risks, with the majority of activity remaining north of Winnipeg until later in the day.
Thursday and Friday: Risk shifts west before expanding east
By Thursday, the threat has moved west into parts of Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba.
An active boundary that runs across the region could cause severe storms north and west of Saskatoon, Sask. Forecasters are also keeping an eye on the Canada-U.S border for a possible cluster of severe storms, but confidence remains low.
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If it forms, the system could bring wind gusts approaching 100 km/h, large hail and the possibility of rotation.
Storm conditions are expected to worsen by Friday as a moisture-rich air mass moves in from the U.S. Northern Plains. Southern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario may be targeted for severe weather.
While the exact timing is uncertain, the environment appears to be ripe for widespread, severe thunderstorm development.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.