As temperatures, humidity and atmospheric instability rise on Thursday, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for southeastern Manitoba, including Winnipeg. A low pressure disturbance is expected to move into southern Manitoba Thursday afternoon. The weather agency said conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. The threat of severe storms will continue throughout this afternoon into the evening. ECCC cautions there is also a risk of severe thunderstorms elsewhere in southern and central Manitoba. The weather agency said the primary threats will be hail up to two to four cm and 90 to 100 km/h wind gusts. As much as 20-30 mm of locally heavy rainfall is possible in central regions. Temperatures up to 30 C are forecast for Brandon and the southwest corner Thursday afternoon, while upper 20s highs are forecast for Winnipeg and the southeast. Humidex values will climb into the 30s across the south. Southwest winds will be strong and gusty this afternoon before increasing from the northwest this evening. Winds will diminish overnight. The same disturbance will likely spread showers across northern regions Thursday afternoon. Flin Flon and The Pas could get soaked with 10 to 15 mm in showers that will taper off this evening. Temperatures across the north will be considerably cooler than the south this afternoon, with daytime highs forecast to reach the mid- to upper teens. Sunshine and mid-20s highs will return to Winnipeg on Friday through the weekend.
