Western storms - Eastern heat and humidity

Below: The Trans Canada Highway remains closed near Maple Creek, Saskatchewan after weekend flooding. (CBC.ca).
Below: Storm clouds move into Regina yesterday afternoon.

A typical summer pattern has established itself across eastern Canada. We remain on the periphery of strong high pressure over the US. The ridge has produced a severe heat wave across most of the central and eastern US with temperatures close to 37C (100F) in may areas. Where the heat has not reached that high, the humidity had created dripping heat indexes and dangerous air quality. Montreal was warm and humid yesterday, but with a refreshing breeze. Today we can expect an increase in clouds that will produce some decent thunderstorms overnight tonight. Wednesday will be showery with thunderstorms and very humid with temperatures near 27C (80F).


The severe weather continues across portions of western Canada. Many parts of southern Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan continue to be pounded by heavy rain and thunderstorms. Medicine Hat, Alberta had heavy flooding from the South Saskatchewan River on Sunday after nearly a months worth of rain fell in one day. The same has occurred in Maple Creek, SK (100mm) along the Trans Canada. Portions of the highway have been washed out near that town, along with flooding of basements and businesses. The water is slowly receding but the forecast continues to emphasize the threat of more wet weather. Yesterday heavy thunderstorms pressed north across the Montana border towards Moose Jaw and Regina. Numerous tornado watches and even a warning were posted. There were reports of tornadoes on the ground but no major damage or injuries occurred. Moose Jaw had over 25mm of rain in a very short period during the late afternoon. The heavy rain produced by the storms caused more flooding of fields already under water. According to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), it is the least amount of acres seeded so far this year since the summer of 1971. Many fields will never see wheat or any crop this year. Only 70% of all crops have been seeded so far this year, with the normal being nearly 100% by late June.