Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for western Manitoba

A map of yellow severe thunderstorm watch in effect as of 1:49 p.m. on July 4, 2026. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Western Manitoba is under a yellow severe thunderstorm watch.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the advisory at 12:34 p.m. on Saturday, saying the conditions are “favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms” which may produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

The advisory is in effect for several communities, including Minnedosa, Dauphin, Roblin, Russell, Swan River, Birch River and Pelican Rapids.

Some communities, like Swan River, experienced severe overland flooding in late June following heavy rain, leading to a partial mandatory evacuation order and sandbagging efforts.

ECCC said the hazards include two to four centimetres of hail and 30 to 60 millimetres of local rainfall.

“An unstable and humid airmass will lead to isolated to, perhaps, scattered thunderstorm develop this afternoon over eastern Saskatchewan into western Manitoba,” the advisory read.

The thunderstorm threat will fade away Saturday evening as daytime heat dissipates, ECCC said.