Saskatchewan Storms

This storm got big but it didn't drop or move very far. Still lots of storms out there right now. The photo is from near Harris, Saskatchewan, which is about 76.6 km south west of Saskatoon (according to multimap.com).

Possible Severe Weather Outbreak - Alberta Saturday

SATURDAY FORECAST: TORNADOES AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS ALBERTA
SUNDAY AND MONDAY: STUFF MOVES EAST

The Prairie Storm Prediction Centre has mentioned the possibility of a "severe weather outbreak" on Saturday in Alberta. This should not be taken lightly as it is the month of May and the states are very quiet for this time of year. It is not unusual to have over a hundred tornado reports in a single day in the states at this time of the year. Most importantly, this year, March and April produced more tornadoes than May which IS unusual. Is the weather skipping a month? If so, June/July weather is already here!

If anyone wants to post Alberta skycam links or to join the discussion, please visit Canadian Prairie Storms Yahoo Group...

Jared
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CanadianPrairieStorms/

Possible Severe Weather Outbreak - Alberta Saturday

SATURDAY FORECAST: TORNADOES AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS ALBERTA
SUNDAY AND MONDAY: STUFF MOVES EAST

The Prairie Storm Prediction Centre has mentioned the possibility of a "severe weather outbreak" on

Nice Day Today

Warm temperatures are giving Alberta and Manitoba an early taste of summer. The usual hotspots are in the low thirties with Drumheller checking in at 32C. Highest dewpoints are at North Battleford, Meadow Lake and Spiritwood. Humidities are a bit low but capes appear to be reaching 2000. Seems to be some light wind shear as well. Definitely worth watching.

Severe Weather Outlook Map for the Canadian Prairies

The map has been fixed up a bit as we get closer to seeing some real storms around here. There is some convecting clouds to the west of Saskatoon but we are not expecting too much severe weather until it heats up a bit more.

SASKATOONSCANNER SEVERE WEATHER

Jared Mysko

Severe Thunderstorms Today: Alberta

There will not be a severe weather outlook map today due to time constraints. This message is simply to advise that there is a decent chance of severe thunderstorms and weak tornadoes in parts of central Alberta. Please check the forecast and radar.

Manitoba Tornadoes On Tuesday

According to the CBC, southern Manitoba had some tornadic type weather on Tuesday afternoon...

CBC Manitoba

Clouds have really begun to take on some incredible shapes this spring in Saskatoon, here are a few recent shots:

SaskatoonScanner.com/features

Thunderstorms Heading to Winnipeg

Possible severe thunderstorms are gathering steam at this time in southern Manitoba, possibly heading to Winnipeg. Watches have been issued.

Severe Thundertorm Risk for Central Alberta

There is a slight risk of a severe thunderstorm this afternoon in the area north of Lloyminister, Alberta. All the elements are in place for a thunderstorm that may reach severe levels but these storms are not expected to be very big.

Jared Mysko
saskatoonscanner.com

Thunder Today in Saskatoon?

Looks like some nice popcorn-like clouds around most of southern
Saskatchewan this afternoon. Now that the grass is a nice shade of
green, it is beginning to look like summer. Dust is kicking up as
these cells increase in strength. It is only 19 degrees in Saskatoon.
The skycam looks cool...
Live Saskatoon Skycams

...bird feeders are geting taken now now...

After Easter Thoughts

Just to let everyone know, some new stuff has been added to saskatoonscanner.com including photos of the flood, the sunset and the changing sky. Also, the severe weather outlook map for the Canadian prairies has been recently re-built. There are a few bugs to work out and it will be vastly improved before the summer storm season really hits. Look forward to seeing more animated icons and some real juicy, highly secretive, utterly amazing, and possibly shocking features. Oh, and by the way, those photos can be found at saskatoonscanner.com/features/

As for the weather today, more rain, more rain. Flooding sucks and there are plenty of people affected this spring. Thunderstorms are possible in southern areas today but updating the map is going to have to wait until later.

In the United States, the tornado reports are coming in a steady pace in 2006. If April ends up with over 300 tornado reports, then it would be my guess that May will not be nearly as busy as last year. The storms seem to be moving north faster than normal so this seems to suggest a shortened storm chasing season in the states and an earlier one in Canada. This may be a bold prediction but the month of May could bring the most tornadoes Canada has seen ever in that month. Keep in mind that will be due mostly in part to the huge and growing numbers of digital cameras out there. Hopefully we can all use this fantasic technology to understand the weather a little better, before things get really crazy.

notes:

-COD has updated their site with a Canadian section.

-Stormtrack forums are spitting out new tornado photos and chase blogs every day.

Windy in Saskatoon

Winds are now gusting to over 60km/hr here in Saskatoon causing some ust to get kicked up into the air. Thunderstorms are a possibility today east of us.

It's getting closer!

Today there is a slight risk of severe weather in the states of Montana and South Dakota, bringing the storm season a bit closer to Canada for 2006. Thursday makes for another big day to watch as a moderate risk has been issued for areas further south and east. Our storm prediction map will have to get back into operation very soon as the snow is nearly all gone here in Saskatoon. Some general thundershowers are possible today in extreme southern Alberta.

Tornado Numbers See Huge Increase

Monthly tornado statistics are a bit disturbing so far this year. After this past Sunday's numbers have been tabulated, the month of March claimed over 200 tornadoes. Is this due to more chasers, more media, or is the weather going bonkers. What are we to prepare for this summer in Canada? It is not uncommon to have one or two isolated but powerful storms in the month of April somewhere in Saskatchewan, but maybe this year we will see summer type action starting very early.

SPC Monthly Tornado Statistics

PDS ISSUED: Strong Tornadoes Possible Today

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma today has issued a "PDS" or particularly dangerous situation. The Stormtrack.org forums are buzzing with activity and it looks like it is going to be a busy day for storms on the plains. So far only hail has been reported but shear is very strong and violent tornadoes are expected this afternoon in eastern Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missori.

"This is an extremely dangerous situation"

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Weather on the Canadian prairies is mixed with a heavy snowfall warning in west-central Manitoba and warm temperatures for the rest of us.

Severe Weather Today In Tornado Alley

A moderate risk for severe thunderstorms has been issued by SPC for eastern parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and western Missori. Meanwhile, Saskatoon is seeing the snow slowly melt away as temperatures continue to increase, leaving the shortest winter ever behind. The lighting map is indicating that strikes are being recorded along the Manitoba/USA/Ontario borders, with some convection on radar even at this hour of day.

If that's not a thunderstorm....

4:20pm SST Radar Image

That looks like a pretty strong cell with those red colours in there. It looks like the city of Brandon is going to see the first thundershower of the year on the Canadian prairies.

Earliest Spring Thunderstorms Ever?

This just in....

Weak convective cells have emerged over south-east Saskatchewan and it looks like the lighning map is indicating the most northerly strikes are coming closer to Canada today. SPC has a huge "slight risk" area drawn for the plains on Thursday which may indicate a very active day over a wide spread area. A little more heat and all this moisture will make for an interesting spring storm season. The earliest severe thunderstorm in recent memory was on April 19, 2004.

See the snow in this archived photo:

April 19, 2004

New Snow Photos From Saskatoon

This has been quite the month of March for snow in Saskatoon. Driving is very tricky in this kind of situation. Slush one day, then blinding snowfall followed by ice and snow covered streets. And now, freezing cold with super bright sunshine.

Tornado Threat For Southern Ontario Today

After over one hundred tornadoes devastated parts of the midwestern United States yesterday and now the threat has moved on to southern Ontario today. A moderate risk area encompasses a huge area today, including Michigan, New York, and Ohio. Severe Thunderstorm Watches have been issued and one tornado has already been reported from Missori as well as golf ball size hail in Michigan. Normally, the month of March produces about 50 tornadoes.

Tornado Statistics

This weather is very unusual.

Snow Piling Up Quickly in Saskatoon

The second major snowfall in a week has begun here in Saskatoon and it looks like this one is going to be a doozie! After between 15 and 20 cm earlier this week, city crews had just got some of the main roads reletively clear as the next batch began to fall. Another 15 cm is forecast by Sunday morning. Driving in the city is difficult, dangerous and not recommended. Highways will most likely be closed tonight. Pizza delivery is still going at TJ's, so stay home and relax tonight!

Saskatoon Snowstorm Causes Gridlock

The snow continues to fall in Saskatoon as roads and parking lots are already clogged with vehicles. Drivers are going not much faster than 20 or 30 km/hr on most roads in the city. 33rd Street West and Confederation Drive have been plowed already making things a bit more bearable for west side residents. No word as to how things are on the east side but everyone has no choice but to help each other out if they want to get around town today. Here are a couple of photos taken before the pizza delivery rush begins. TJ's Pizza is open for delivery today but don't expect to get your pizza very quickly, especially during rush hour or crawling hour as it will be called today.

Saskatoon Digs Out From Heavy Snowfall

The snow continues to fall in Saskatoon as residents attempt to dig themselves out from one of the biggest snowfall events this season. The heaviest amounts fell in the early morning and the snow is expected to stop falling by this afternoon. The snow has slowed the city to a crawl as it is making for some adventurous outings. Pictures and maybe some video will be posted here later today.

Fluffy White Snow

Saskatoon is now getting some very big fluffy snow flakes. Check out our live skycam to see.

Freezing Cold Returns

After today's warm temperatures and maybe a dusting or two of snow, we are forecast to get back some of the cold weather that normally happens in Saskatchewan during the winter months. We should be seeing temperatures below -20 and maybe even -30 by Thursday night. So make sure you are ready as this is expected to last at least a few days.

Saskatchewan Winds

When the wind blows like this, it seems like something bigger is about to happen. It is only at sustained speeds of between 40 and 70 kilometers per hour but the weird thing is how warm it is. This is not your average February temperatures either. If you want to see some color, check this graphic out from the infared satellite from Environment Canada.

Satellite

Snowfall Watch Area Expanded

The Melfort, Humboldt, and Lanigan regions have now been added to the storm watch area as radar continues to show an increase in the strength of this storm system. The wind in Saskatoon has calmed down and the temperature has increased dramatically since this morning. North Battleford has begun to recieve light snow and the bands of precipitation look like they may reach Saskatoon after all. Here's a shot from the balcony taken just a few minutes ago.



Don't forget to support our sponsors as it helps pay for our entertaining rants and raves on the Internet, thanks all!

Major Snowfall Event For East Central Saskatchewan

A powerful low pressure system which brought heavy snow in the Rocky Mountains and freezing rain to Alberta is making it's way into colder air in central Saskatchewan today. Half a foot or 15cm is forecast to drop on areas east of LaRonge and north of Yorkton. Watches and warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for these areas including Dauphin, Manitoba. The jet stream takes a strong right turn in the middle of Saskatchewan which is causing the distubance to move south and congregate over the Melfort area. Saskatoon is not expected to see much of this system but the convective clouds can be seen from the city. Please check Environment Canada for the lastest warnings. We have our skycam up as well, pointed in that general direction.

Skycam

This system had weakened earlier in the day but radar now indicates that it is increasing in strength as Environment Canada expands snowfall warning areas.

Freezing Rain or Intense Snowfall?

A very large area of intense precipitation has developed over southwestern Saskatchewan this afternoon and threatens to engulf most of southern Saskatchewan this evening. Accumulation amounts are not expected to be very high but dangerous driving conditions are pretty much guaranteed. Convective elements are showing up on radar as some areas may get thunderstorm type action with this system. All major centres will be affected as the area of precipitation is hundreds of kilometres wide. Currently, freezing rain warnings are active for the Swift Current and Kindersley regions

New Video of Saskatoon Snowstorm

Saskatoon got left out of the last batch of snow but we are getting some now. Snow has been falling pretty much all day and continues at this hour. Only 2 centimetres is forecast for the city by midnight tonight but we may have already have met that mark. Traffic moved very slowly today at rush hour as the snow made the roads very slippery. We got a short video clip from around 5pm today downtown.

Click here for the video (20 seconds .WMV 2MB)

For the best collection of weather links, visit our pages:

SaskatoonScanner Weather

Please take care on the roads, lots of vehicle collisions are being reported at this time.

10 CM of Snow Forecast for Today

Weather watches are up for east-central Saskatchewan including Humboldt, Melfort, Canora and Sandy Bay. Saskatoon might even get a taste of this system as radar indicates that it is just beginning to emerge close by. We will monitor this situation in case it worsens.

Snow for Central Saskatchewan on Monday

Light snow has been falling today in some parts of Saskatchewan and more is expected on Monday. Highest forecast amounts are in the Prince Albert area for up to 4cm by Monday night. Most of central Saskatchewan should see about 2 cm of snow from Saskatoon to LaRonge.

More Temperature Records Fall Today

Estevan, Saskatchewan is currently at +7C as of 4pm, which breaks a record that goes back to 1947 when it hit +4.4C. This warm weather is forecast to to stick around for awhile yet causing many people to wonder what is going on. Some areas in northern Saskatchewan are getting supplies flown in due to ice roads being unavailable due to the unusually long stretch of above normal temperatures.

Link: CBC Saskatchewan

Warm Temperatures Continue, Snow Returns on Sunday

As temperatures have continue to be above normal here in Saskatoon, blizzard conditions have returned to the far north. Nunavut and parts of northern Manitoba are under storm watches and warnings. Freezing temperatures are emerging in northern Alberta as temperatures get back to normal in that province. Southern Saskatchewan may be in for some record temperature highs today but the snow is forecast to return for Sunday and Monday.

Temperature Records: Cooked.

Cardston, Alberta hit 17C today leading the way for a number of temperature records to be shattered across the western Canadian prairies. A line of warmer than normal temperatures has been glued to an area just east of the Rocky Mountains for the better part of this season that our ancestors named "winter".

The color coded map from CAPS/CONUS indicates a distinct line down the east side of the Rockies. An even better view is the sometimes updated snow map from the University of Waterloo .

Car washes and BBQ's are getting used for the first time in many parts of Saskatchewan this January! Hopefully the infestation of poisonous creatures does not climb as it did last year but if God says, "bring back the dinosaurs", then who are we to argue?

Warm Winds for Monday

Saskatoon's forecast has now gone back to a forecast high of +2. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Monday's Canadian Federal Election Day.

Calgary's forecast high is for +10,
Edmonton +5,
Vancouver +9 with drizzle rain,
Yellowknife -22 with light snow,
Iqaluit -28,
Winnipeg 0,
Thunder Bay -4 with snow,
Toronto +3,
Ottawa 0,
Montreal -2 with light snow,
Halifax -2 with light snow.

All around a pretty warm day across Canada.

Snow Today in Saskatoon

Snow is falling once again this morning, adding to the already caked-in roads around Saskatoon. It is forecast to end later this morning but it does seem to be coming down in a heavy type fashion right now. Check our cams to see the latest accumulations.

Saskatoon Weather Cams

Also, in case you didn't notice, Environment Canada quickly changed their Monday forecast a full 7 degrees colder with the high to be -5. It is baffling to try and understand the logic or politics behind giving us a 5 day forecast that is almost always totally wrong or just way off target. A better plan might be to impliment a new system where the long term forecast is either a predictable one with a major system coming in or a total toss-up giving us a range of temperatures. For example, our forecast for Monday is for a 49% chance of snow, and temperatures somewhere between -4 and -30. If anything changes on that we will let you know. Given that formula we could say that on Canada Day, July 1st, 2006 the forecast is for tmperatures to be between +30 and +10 with a 51% chance of a severe thunderstorm.

Cold Weather Returns

Saskatoon's temperature returned to normal for January briefly this evening when it hit -23C at 9pm. The temperature was forecast to go down to -18C tonight but so far it seems to be getting a bit colder. Plugging your vehicle in tonight might make things easier for people going out on what is normally the busiest day of the month tommorrow in Saskatoon, "Child Tax Cheque Day". The normal low temperature is -23C for today and if you are not used to the cold, don't forget that in 1943 it hit -47C on this day. Global warming returns on Monday with more outrageous temperature forecasts alleged to be +2 on Monday.

Saskatoon gets 7cm of Snow On Monday. More to come?

Most major streets have been cleared up today after Saskatoon got hit with another covering of snow on Monday. Still, with more snow still falling, it is a challenge to get around no matter where you live. Another 7 cm was reported to have fallen by Monday morning and crews have been on the streets and parking lots clearing the way for traffic. A big thanks goes out to those who have helped shovel the city out once again. Saskatoon is full of great people, cheers go out to all those who have helped others get unstuck.

Snowstorm Aftermath

Saskatoon has been covered by enough snow to slow down the normally slow Sunday crawl nearly to a standstill on all roads around the city today. Everyone had to pitch in to open up the roads and parking lots. More snow is still a good possibility as this system takes a break from dumping on us for now.

Check this video from today(WindowsMedia).

Watch Area Increased, Winter Storm Warnings Issued

With most of southern Saskatchewan now included in the winter storm watch, warnings have been issued for eastern most parts of Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada:
"A winter storm watch has been issued for the Saskatoon and Prince Albert regions for the potential of 10 cm of snow or more with this system."

Its not even snowing yet here and it seems like something big is about to hit by the size of that watch/warning area. It is still raining in Vancouver!

Snowstorm Watch For Yorkton

This is a photo of the frost that forms on trees in Saskatoon nearly everyday for the past few weeks.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for south-eastern Saskatchewan and all of southern Manitoba. 15 to 20 centimeters of snow is forecast for these areas by Monday. The Saskatoon forecast is for snow to begin by midnight and we are to get about 5 cm.

Intense Weather System Developing in BC

Snowfall warnings for Whistler and rainfall warnings for Vancouver today in BC. Thick fog in southern Saskatchewan has even produced a warning from Environment Canada. Zero visabilities on most highways and roads in southern Saskatchewan this morning. Thick frost is covering windshields and patchy light snow is making the morning commute that much more difficult and time consuming. If you haven't already started your vehicle, it might be wise to give your car more time to warm up and unthaw today. Fog should disapate by noon in Saskatoon.

Developing Story: Major Snow Event Possible Today in BC

Here comes the snow for the mountains. Most of southern British Columbia is getting a good dump of snow today and tommorrow. This system is to track east into Alberta and Saskatchewan on Sunday. This from Environment Canada:

"THE SYSTEM WILL ALSO SPREAD BETWEEN 20 AND 30 CM OF SNOW OVER
THE KOOTENAY AND ROGERS PASS TONIGHT AND FRIDAY."

Satellite Image

Foggy here in Saskatoon at 1am. Very foggy.

Saskatoon SkyCams

Snow on Sunday

There is a forecast of snow for this coming Sunday. This has to be the best year for outdoor winter sports with so much snow on the ground and fresh snow at least once a week. Skiing, sledding, skating, snow shoeing, and shovelling. Building snow-structures is always fun and it tires the kids out.

Freezing Rain for Regina

Last night only about a 1/2 inch of snow added to the snowpacked roads and parking lots. Environment Canada has 1.0 mm (pw) reported on their site for Saskatoon which is only 1 cm.

Today a freezing rain warning is issued for some of southern Saskatchewan, including Regina.

Photo of Coming Snowstorm in Saskatoon Today

Just took this photo at 3pm today of what looks like well, the sun is pretty low for it to be this warm, maybe more ice pellets with some light snow. Nothing major. Ok, main thing is, lets see if I can get this photo to work... it has been awhile since I took a picture with this camera.

Canadian Prairie Storms Blog is Born!

The blog revolotion has just produced another new horizon, so to speak. The looming danger of an approaching wave of fast moving, moderate precipitation in the middle of January would normally not be of great concern, but it was an opportunity to comment on what is occuring and what might happen as a result. This is "Canadian Prairie Storms", a blog from the middle of the Canadian Prairies, Saskatoon.

From the looks of the situation, a large wave of precipitation has moved out of most of southern Alberta and quickly into parts of Saskatchewan today. Saskatoon is forecast for 2 to 4 cm of snow today. Nothing falling at this time but radar shows the snow just at the south-west edge of the city.