July 16, 2015 - Severe Thunderstorm Hits Regina [Four Videos]

A very busy day around the province of Saskatchewan started with juicy forecasts and lots of anticipation.

http://www.canadianprairiestorms.blogspot.ca/2015/07/todays-outlook-map-dangerous-weather.html

Just after noon as the hot sunshine peaked, southern gulf stream appeared and the cold front began to threaten, storms started to fire off, all across central Saskatchewan. With temperatures of only +8C in Cypress Hills and +15C in Kindersley, the heat wave finally met its match, knocking down weeks long 30 degree days. From northern Saskatchewan which collected large piles of small hail, supercells quickly filtered south. Warman was first with nearly 1 inch or toonie size hail. Then, another new set of cells formed further south with Davidson reporting gold ball size hail. Between 2 and 3pm, the entire province filled out with clusters of supercells. Two were seen east of Regina as captured in our timelapse video. Then just as things seemed to clear out, the weather radio blared out an alert and a sudden storm cell popped up right over the city of Regina.  Luckily no major damages here but more storms are forecast again tomorrow, further east.

Wascana Lake Storm Timelapse (15 minutes in 15 seconds)

Today's Outlook Map - Dangerous Weather Ahead!

Current conditions are showing a lot of potential with a strengthening southern gulf stream, cold front coming in from the west and lots of rain in the north. Prairie and Arctic Storm Prediction Centre mentions a possibility of tornadic supercells south west of Saskatoon later today. Otherwise, a straight line damaging wind event with supercells associated with the cold front will cross the province of Saskatchewan very quickly and land in southern Manitoba over night. Large hail and heavy rains are expected further north. Please head all warnings and take precautions. Loose objects should be secured, now and candles gathered/phones charged. This is a serious situation! Storms may not begin until late in the day but when they do, they are expected to cause damages with power outages likely in highly populated regions of Saskatchewan.

Here is the latest outlook map:

Today's Outlook

Prairie Storm Prediction Centre has removed the tornado wording from its 2pm forecast update. As well, the RAP forecast model has suggested the tornado threat has passed for today. The NAM is usually a little bolder and over done as a forecast model and keeps a slight chance of tornadoes open. Both, agree that supercells will be active over much of southern Manitoba today creeping a bit into south eastern Saskatchewan. Central Alberta will see active thunderstorms as well. Mainly heavy rain, large hail and strong to damaging winds.