Unusual September Storms Hit Southern Manitoba

In a surprising twist for September, Southern Manitoba has experienced another round of severe thunderstorms, marking the second such occurrence in just a week. CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner pointed out that this late-season activity is unusual but not unheard of, citing the presence of moisture, atmospheric instability, wind shear, and a triggering warm front lifting from North Dakota.

Storm Warnings Issued!

As the storms approached, Severe Thunderstorm Watches were issued across most of the Pembina Valley around 8 PM, escalating to Warnings by 9 PM. The regions of Louise, Pembina, Stanley, and Rhineland saw these warnings simultaneously, underscoring the potential danger.

By 9 PM, a line of strong thunderstorms stretched from Altona and Gretna towards Cartwright. While the storms moved quickly and were not particularly large, reports indicated limited rainfall accumulation, making for a unique weather event that had residents on alert.

Rainfall Totals from September 15th!

Thanks to the diligent reporting from PembinaValleyOnline Rainwatchers and the Manitoba Ag Weather Network, here are the rainfall totals from Sunday, September 15th: - Snowflake: 13.5 mm - Reinland: 11.2 mm - Manitou: 10.7 mm - Winkler (in city): 8 mm - Plum Coulee: 7.87 mm - Morden (in city): 6 mm - Kane: 5.5 mm - Jordan: 5.2 mm - Winkler (south of city): 5.0 mm - Carman: 4.7 mm - Cartwright: 3.7 mm - Altona: 3 mm - Clearwater: 2.8 mm - Gretna: 2 mm - Elm Creek: 0.6 mm.

What’s Next for the Weather?

Looking ahead, Sumner forecasts that the warm and humid conditions will linger into Monday and Tuesday, thanks to the persistent warm airmass over the region. However, as another upper-level low pressure system approaches, additional thunderstorms could materialize, especially on Monday afternoon and evening.

Temperatures are expected to stay above the seasonal average, soaring between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, but humidity will make it feel like 30 to 32 degrees. Enjoy those summer-like vibes while they last!

A Shift in the Weather Pattern Coming!

As Wednesday approaches, the upper-level ridge currently dominating our weather is set to move eastward, paving the way for more typical seasonal conditions later in the week. Additionally, residents should brace for potential rainfall, as this upper-level low pressure system might bring several rounds of precipitation to Southern Manitoba in the coming days.