Severe storms could be on horizon for Saskatchewan

Storms are expected Wednesday evening across Saskatchewan and Environment Canada said they could become severe.

At 12:30 Wednesday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several areas of central and southern Saskatchewan, including the City of Regina.

Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said showers and thundershowers will be moving across Saskatchewan throughout the day Wednesday but not everyone will experience them.

“Sometimes it’s a bit of a hit-and-miss thing with showers and thundershowers; they hit your neighbour but they don’t hit you,” Lang explained.

The showers are likely to hit Wednesday afternoon and evening.

“There is a chance we could see some severe weather associated with these (storms),” Lang said.

Lang said the conditions to cause severe weather are present and a watch will be issued if those conditions progress.

The hot weather in Saskatchewan is likely only one of several contributors to Wednesday’s possible storms. Lang said moisture and the condition of the upper atmosphere must also be agreeable to support such weather.

Lang reminds the public to keep safety in mind with these storms brewing.

“I know people in Saskatchewan, they love their thunderstorms and we encourage people to enjoy them but to do it safely and that means being inside your house, your cottage or inside a vehicle to ride out the storm,” Lang said.

“Lightning is a No. 1 killer and injurer of people when it comes to summer severe weather, more so than tornadoes and strong winds.”

This week is Lightning Safety Week, which prompted this reminder from Lang: “When thunder roars, go indoors.”