Severe storms possible amid a rain-soaked Friday on the Prairies

A dreary end to June will seep into a soggy Canada Day long weekend across the Prairies as several disturbances mosey across the region over the next couple of days.

Expect widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms to drench parts of the central and southern Prairies as a slow-moving low pressure system traverses the region. Severe thunderstorms are also possible on Friday across southern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

Some areas could see more than 50 mm of rain by the end of the day Friday. Localized flooding is possible where excessive rains fall.

Stay weather-aware over the next couple of days, especially if you’re planning any travels or if you’re heading out for some summer camping.

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Heavy rainfall soaks the Prairies

An Alberta clipper that sparked thunderstorms on Thursday will slow to a crawl overnight and into Friday. This system will tap into a vast reserve of moisture aloft to wring out drenching rains across the southern half of the Prairies.

A widespread swath of 30-50 mm of rain will fall from Calgary all the way into southwestern Manitoba toward Winnipeg. The heaviest rains are possible in south-central Saskatchewan, where folks around Saskatoon could see 50-75 mm of rain through Friday.

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Anyone travelling along the Yellowhead Highway should prepare for heavy rains and a localized flooding risk. Heavy rain can also reduce visibility and traction on roadways, so remember to always drive according to conditions.

Southern sections of the Prairies from southeastern Saskatchewan through northwestern Ontario could see a risk for severe thunderstorms through the day Friday. This threat includes Regina.

While heavy rainfall is far and away the greatest threat, some of the stronger storms could produce strong wind gusts and large hail.

The system will move into Ontario by the start of the weekend, with Saturday looking to be a great day to enjoy the outdoors.

Saturday may be the only day to enjoy, however, as a renewed storm threat makes its way back into the Prairie provinces on Sunday.

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Header image submitted by Iona near Prince Albert, Sask.

Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on your forecast across the Prairies.