Environment Canada issues funnel cloud advisory for parts of Sask.

A funnel cloud advisory was issued Thursday morning for large areas of Saskatchewan.

According to Environment Canada, conditions in west-central Saskatchewan are favourable for the development of funnel clouds, which could turn into tornadoes.

The advisory included the areas around the Battlefords, Biggar, Gull Lake, Kindersley, Leader, Maidstone, Rosetown, Unity and St. Walburg.

“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms,” the weather service said in a statement.

“This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.”

If conditions do become favourable for a landspout todnado to develop, Environment Canada said watches and warnings will be issued.

Tornadoes have already been confirmed in Saskatchewan in 2023, with one touching down at a farmyard near Regina on Saturday evening, causing significant damage.

At 10:15 a.m., the weather service also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for areas in southern Saskatchewan, including regions around Wood Mountain and Glentworth. At 11:20 a.m., severe thunderstorm watches were put out for other areas to the south and west of Regina.