Large hail, funnel cloud risk with ongoing storms for the Prairies, NW Ont.
Severe storms move out of the Prairies, and into northern Ontario, but leaving a funnel cloud risk in parts of the eastern Prairies to start the weekend
A double-barrelled storm risk is developing across parts of the Prairies and northwestern Ontario on Friday, with forecasters warning of large hail, strong wind gusts and even the possibility of rotating storms.
As a cold front moves through, two areas of instability—one over the eastern Prairies and the other across northwestern Ontario—are expected to produce severe thunderstorms.
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Cold front fuels severe risk in northwestern Ontario
By the late afternoon hours, the first risk zone will extend from the U.S.-Canada border north to Hudson Bay, powered by high humidity and thunderstorm activity.
While many communities may experience heavy rain and lightning, the highest risk of dangerous weather is near Ignace, Upsala and Armstrong, Ont.
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Rotating storms, large hail measuring more than three centimetres, and wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are all possible in the area.
These storms are at a likelihood to be quite strong, particularly where the cold front collides with pockets of intense heat and moisture.
Funnel clouds possible over the eastern Prairies
Further west, storms are expected to form by morning along the southern Saskatchewan-Manitoba border. As they track eastward through the afternoon and evening, they may produce funnel clouds, though these are usually brief and mild.
Some storms may also bring small hail and strong winds, but the overall risk is lower than Ontario's system. After Friday's turbulent weather, conditions will calm down over the weekend.
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Temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 20s and low 30s across much of the region, creating a more summer-like and stable pattern by Saturday and Sunday.
Stay with The Weather Network for updated alerts and the latest weather details across Ontario and the Prairies.