A developing low pressure system is bringing a high risk of severe thunderstorms to Stonewall, Man., and the surrounding R.M. of Rockwood area this afternoon and evening. Environment Canada issued an orange watch at 2:22 p.m. CDT Monday, warning that conditions are favourable for large hail, strong wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of a tornado.
As of 3 p.m., it was mostly cloudy and 26 C at the Winnipeg airport, with east winds gusting to 39 km/h and humidity at 75 percent. The storms are expected to develop over North Dakota and track into southern Manitoba later in the day.
The unsettled pattern is forecast to linger through Canada Day on Wednesday. Monday night will see showers and thunderstorms with a low of 16 C, while Tuesday brings a 70 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms and a high of 23 C. Wednesday, July 1 is expected to be showery with a high of 21 C, followed by a 60 percent chance of more showers at night. Thursday remains cloudy and 23 C, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 25 C by Friday.
Stonewall is still recovering from an extreme storm on June 9 and 10 that dumped more than 255 millimetres of rain on the community, overwhelming the sewage system and flooding basements throughout town. Mayor Sandra Smith called that rainfall “unprecedented,” and officials continue to assess damage. The town was the hardest hit in southern Manitoba during that system, which also brought tornado warnings to the region.
Manitoba typically sees 8 to 14 tornadoes each season, though this year has been especially active with 42 confirmed tornadoes by late June. Residents are asked to report severe weather by emailing [email protected], calling 1-800-239-0484, or posting on X using #MBStorm.
