Storm chances subside on the Prairies but wildfire smoke still problematic
The Prairies are getting some needed rainfall this week, with thunderstorms firing up on Monday with downpours in some areas.
Severe thunderstorms came to fruition in parts of Saskatchewan, prompting warnings for some locales. The threat of storms will continue Monday overnight and diminish by Tuesday morning.
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On top of that, wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality for parts of the region. Special air quality statements are in place in northern Alberta and central areas of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Remember to limit time outdoors when air quality is poor, as it can have adverse effects on health -- especially for young children and elderly people.
Tuesday morning: Thunderstorm threat winds down, but wildfire smoke remains an issue
The thunderstorms that rolled through parts of the southern Prairies Monday afternoon will continue into the overnight, and then conclude by Tuesday morning.
All of this additional rainfall is good news for the region’s long-running drought as we inch closer to the heart of wildfire season. The latest update of the drought monitor continues to show the vast majority of the Prairies mired in a moderate drought or worse as of April 30.
This update doesn’t include the rain we saw during the first week of May, so there’s likely been some further improvement across southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan.
Severe drought remains widespread throughout the northern Prairies.
A couple of low-pressure systems will bring periods of widespread rain to the region, especially near the Yellowhead, Alta., mid- and late week. The first system will impact the region Wednesday-Thursday, with the second occurring Thursday through Saturday. The latter will bring more widespread, heavier rain, including to many of the long-term drought areas near the Yellowhead across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
However, most of the rain will stay south of the Fort McMurray, Alta., area and the far northern areas where it is most needed for wildfires.
The rain is highly beneficial to agriculture, but also could become an issue with delaying spring planting. Another significant system is possible early next week.
Thumbnail courtesy of Christina McKinley.
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