Loud Thunder In Regina - Lightning Storm July 11, 2012

Coffee at Atlantis was extra awakening this morning as an intense lightning and thunder storm grew over the city of Regina. Close lightning overhead echoed around the SaskPower building seen across the street facing south. This storm continued to grow into the afternoon eventually soaking the city of Yorkton causing major flooding in the downtown there.

Today's Risk Map

Severe thunderstorms are likely for the City of Regina and most of eastern Saskatchewan. Storms should fire up early today before noon and slowly progress into Manitoba tonight. Main concern will be intense lightning, hail, heavy down pours and flash flooding. Last night, Saskatoon got a wild light show with the local detector peaking at 341 strikes per minute.

Wide Spread Risk Area For Storms (map) / Humidex Advisories

Update: Hail is not likely at all but heavy down pours are as air aloft is above freezing levels at 15k feet according to PSPC.

Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for several areas this afternoon, including south east BC, Fort Simpson in the North West Territories, north central Alberta and western Saskatchewan. With the extreme heat and low surface winds, storms are expected to be slow movers, heavy down pours, flash flooding and intense lightning producers. Once the maximum heating is reached today, thing may change into the evening and we will update the situation as it happens. Night time cooling could cause some very large storms to emerge in any of these areas. Keep cool and pay attention to updated watches and warnings.

Also, be aware of the humidex advisory for central Saskatchewan, including Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Yorkton as the humidex will reach over 40C today. North Battleford, Regina, Estevan could all be included in the advisory as well as values are already hitting 37C at noon.

Environment Canada Special Weather Statements
Environment Canada Watches and Warnings