It seems, for the most part, Thursday’s severe weather event had more bark than bite for Southern Manitoba. Tornado Watches were issued for the Red River Valley and Southeastern Manitoba around 2:30 p.m. yesterday, with Severe Thunderstorm Watches following for Southwestern areas shortly after 5 p.m.

“There were some severe thunderstorm warnings issued for regions in a line from Brandon to Portage early in the evening, and then later in the evening from the Miami area down to Morden, Winkler, Altona and Morris, but that was about it,” explains CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner.

He says rainfall totals were sporadic, as is expected with this type of storm event where you have isolated thunderstorm cells over a wide area. Sumner notes he did see some reports of dime-sized hail in the Miami area and north of Horndean, but overall nothing too significant from what’s been shared with him. All watches and warnings for the Pembina and Red River Valleys ended before midnight.

“Looking ahead to the weekend, the unsettled pattern will continue, with a break today with seasonal temperatures expected in the 25 to 26 degree range,” adds Sumner. “Hot and humid conditions return Saturday and Sunday with temperatures nearing 30 tomorrow, and 31 to 33 Sunday. The key will be the Humidex, which will be in the mid 30s most of the weekend, as moisture laden air is once again pumped into the province.”

He says it’s looking like we should be able to get through the weekend without any additional severe thunderstorm activity.

“There are a couple of weak disturbances in the forecast models that could bring some showers throughout the day Sunday and Sunday evening, but at this time, for Southern Manitoba, we’re not expecting severe storms to develop.”

 

Submitted by Sara Loewen from Myrtle with the message, "We had some beautiful clouds after the storm".

 

Storm clouds southeast of Altamont Thursday. Submitted by Cory Penner.