The Pas is under an overland flood watch this week as heavy rain and thunderstorms roll through the area, bringing the risk of flash flooding and a sharp drop in temperatures. Environment Canada and The Weather Network both warn that showers and potential thunderstorms will continue through tonight, with 15 to 25 millimetres of rain expected locally.
The rain is forecast to persist into Tuesday. Daytime highs have already fallen from the low 20s down to around 19°C by Tuesday, a noticeable cooldown for late June. Overnight lows will dip to 16°C tonight, with northeast winds gusting to 20 km/h.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure issued an overland flood watch for western and northwestern Manitoba on June 26, ahead of the multi-day rainfall event. Some models suggest localized amounts could top 80 millimetres in heavier thunderstorms. Residents are urged to avoid low-lying areas and watch for water pooling on roads.
Adding to the unsettled conditions, wildfire smoke from blazes burning further north is drifting into The Pas region, reducing visibility and air quality. Communities like Lynn Lake, Marcel Colomb First Nation, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation remain under evacuation orders or states of emergency due to the fires, with The Pas serving as a staging area for response crews. The province declared a state of emergency in late May because of spreading wildfires; although it was lifted on June 23 as conditions briefly improved, it has since been reinstated as new fires threaten northern communities.
The Saskatchewan River at The Pas is running significantly above seasonal norms, though provincial officials expect water levels to stay within the banks. Still, the combination of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and smoky skies makes for a challenging week. Residents should monitor local alerts and be ready to adjust travel plans if conditions worsen.
