A more organized severe weather threat is expected to develop across southern Saskatchewan on Thursday, bringing the potential for large hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado risk.
Forecasters say a low-pressure system is expected to develop near the Saskatchewan border, with a cold front extending south and a warm front stretched southeast across the province.
That setup is expected to create a more favourable environment for strong to severe thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening.
Thunderstorm energy is expected to build across the province Thursday, while wind shear strengthens farther south.
Forecasters say many of the thunderstorms that develop could produce large hail and damaging wind gusts.
West-central Saskatchewan may still see thunderstorm activity, though the stronger severe weather setup is expected to be farther south, where wind fields are more supportive of organized storms.
Rainfall is not expected to be the main concern with this system, as storms should be moving steadily. However, brief heavy downpours may still occur under stronger cells.
The highest tornado risk is expected across southeastern Saskatchewan, especially along and south of the Trans-Canada Highway corridor from east of Swift Current toward the Manitoba border.
Forecasters say winds in the southern and southeastern parts of the province may become more favourable for rotating storms late in the day, particularly if southeast winds turn more easterly near the surface.
Residents in areas at risk are encouraged to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.
Strong to severe thunderstorms may persist into the overnight hours as they track east into western Manitoba by Friday morning.
Anyone travelling, working outdoors or attending events Thursday afternoon and evening is encouraged to keep a close eye on the sky and have a way to receive weather alerts.
