Saskatchewan and Manitoba battered by intense summer storms
Communities across Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba were swept by powerful summer storms this week, leaving behind dramatic skies, heavy rainfall, and moments of real concern for residents. What unfolded was not just a passing thunderstorm but a wide-reaching weather event that brought tornado warnings, vivid lightning displays, and more than 100 millimetres of rain in some areas.
In central Saskatchewan, skies turned an eerie mix of dark clouds and glowing light late Wednesday evening. Residents in Saskatoon, Warman, and Eston captured photos and videos of lightning bolts streaking across the horizon, while storm clouds built into towering formations that signaled something serious was coming. Many people reported that alerts began arriving on their phones just as the storm’s intensity was peaking, with tornado warnings being issued as the atmosphere grew more unstable.
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The storm’s path brought with it both beauty and fear. Mammatus clouds, streaks of color at sunset, and what some described as “hyperreal” skies were witnessed, but at the same time, strong winds and the threat of funnel clouds kept many on edge. It was described as one of the more “intense” weather systems to hit central Saskatchewan this summer, and the warnings served as a reminder of how quickly conditions on the Prairies can change.
Farther east, southern Manitoba faced the brunt of the rainfall. Portage la Prairie was hit hardest, where Environment and Climate Change Canada reported over 100 millimetres of rain fell within just six or seven hours. Hail the size of golf balls was also reported in the region, and roads quickly became slick and waterlogged. By the time the system reached Winnipeg, rainfall varied widely across the city, with some neighborhoods seeing 55 to 60 millimetres, while others received less than 20.
Meteorologists explained that although the worst of the severe weather has now passed, the system left a strong mark on the landscape. For areas battling wildfires earlier this summer, the rain offered some much-needed relief, though flooding concerns are now being monitored. Forecasts suggest that cooler temperatures and scattered showers could linger, but clearer skies should arrive in time for the weekend.
The storm served as a dramatic reminder of the Prairies’ unpredictable weather patterns. Residents were awed by the spectacle in the skies, but the alerts and warnings emphasized the seriousness of the situation. What began as a dazzling light show quickly became a night of safety precautions, storm tracking, and shared experiences across communities. While cleanup and recovery will continue in some areas, many are simply grateful that the tornado warnings did not materialize into full-scale disaster.
This week’s storm will likely be remembered not just for its ferocity, but also for the way it showcased nature’s raw power over the wide-open skies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
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