Time To Expand Radar Coverage? Are we missing tornadoes? [Commentary]

Congratulations to Canadian Prairie Storm Chasers Facebook Group now at 395 members! The growth of this group is great testament to the importance and public interest in the weather here on the Canadian prairies. I would like to see what we can do to help expand Environment Canada's radar coverage. Especially in July, tons of potentially tornadic storms go completely missed by forecasters and spotters in the northeastern areas of Saskatchewan, not to mention northern Manitoba as well, due to lack of radar sites in those areas.

Once again, today we have a tornado warning from a photo report along the edge of the current radar range. With no radar in the area, our only line of defence in satellite images and maybe a cage full of deprived gerbils. Are we really going to continue to use these poor gerbils to forecast storms in the north or is there some way to open Steven Harpers squeaky wallet and expand the radar coverage stations?

If you would like to join the discussion, post your storm observations or simply see the footage as it comes in from some great people and very talented photographers and videographers, please feel free to join here:

Canadian Prairie Storm Chasers Facebook Group

Thanks,
Jared Mysko

"This group is for storm chasers , spotters , weather enthusiasts , or anyone that is concerned about the weather in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or Alberta. Tornado warnings, severe thunderstorms, or just wacky weather. Thanks and enjoy the weather!"

 

Facebook Group Moderated and Created by Ken Kun

Originally Developed by Jared Mysko on this blog and Yahoo! Groups (established 2003)

Mostly Calm And Sunny Today, Slight Risk Of Pulse Storms [Risk Map]

Today is expected to be a fairly calm and sunny day across the prairies with some brief pop up storms that may reach severe levels but nothing major. This pattern continues until the next outbreak beginning around Canada Day July 1st.

Today's Risk Map

Storm System Developing

A very strong storm system is forecast to develop overnight along the southern borders in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba this evening. Storms will not likely move anywhere north of the Trans Canada Highway but will develop from Lethbridge to Cypress Hills this evening and from Estevan to Brandon tomorrow evening. All points in between may see storms occurring but not at maximum intensity due to time of day (late night/morning).

Rainbow, Supermoon, Sunset (12 Photos)