Neepawa, Manitoba, and surrounding areas face a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms this evening and overnight, as a cold front pushes across Southern Manitoba. Environment Canada has placed the region under a Yellow Watch, warning of large hail, torrential rain, and powerful wind gusts.
The watch, issued late Monday morning, forecasts hail ranging from 4 to 6 centimetres, similar in size to golf balls. Rainfall totals of 50 to 70 millimetres are possible, along with wind gusts reaching 100 km/h. The alert covers the evening of Monday, July 6, 2026, and continues through the overnight hours.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” Environment Canada stated in the alert.
A combination of warm, humid air and upper-level dynamics is fueling the storm potential. The forecast comes after a weekend of destructive weather across the province. Killarney was blanketed by golf ball-sized hail on July 5, leaving streets looking like a winter scene. Severe thunderstorms also knocked out power to more than 6,000 Manitoba Hydro customers. Nearby communities, including Brandon and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, have declared local states of emergency because of flooding and storm damage.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, such as furniture and decorations, before the storm hits. Travel should be avoided during the harshest conditions. Being ready for possible power outages, with flashlights and charged devices, is also recommended.
Environment Canada’s colour-coded alert system uses a Yellow Watch when moderate-impact hazardous weather is expected with high confidence. For a severe thunderstorm watch, that means hail of at least 2.5 centimetres, winds of 90 km/h or more, or heavy downpours of 50 millimetres in an hour are possible.
