Reading Time: 4 minutes So far in our look at different types of severe summer weather, we’ve looked at heavy rainfall warnings and heat warnings. I was going to take a break from our examination of severe summer weather for this issue and examine some of the unique weather events that have taken place across the world over the […] Read more
When it comes to hail, not all parts of the Prairies are equal
South-central Alberta and south-central Manitoba get the worst hailstorms — but for different reasons
What’s happening above when it comes down in buckets all day long
It’s been a dry spring, but we’re moving into the time of year when heavy rainfall events occur more frequently
Reading Time: 3 minutes So far this spring, a good portion of Alberta and Saskatchewan has not seen any heavy rainfall events. If you check out the map above you’ll see the large red and amber areas that represent rainfall amounts that are 60 per cent of average or less. Hopefully, my writing about heavy rainfall won’t put a jinx […] Read more
What goes into the making of a heavy rainfall event
Ever wondered why it’s so muggy before some thunderstorms or why some have lulls between torrents of rain?
Reading Time: 3 minutes As we slowly slide into summer it seems an appropriate time to take a look at our next type of severe summer weather — heavy rainfall. Often, when you think of severe weather and heavy rainfall, you don’t put the two together. Oh sure, the Prairies can see huge dumps of rain, but we often dismiss […] Read more
Wind is the wild card in the creation of dust storms
Sun and warm weather can quickly dry out fields, but those conditions don’t usually come with high winds
Reading Time: 3 minutes As I pointed out in the last article, instead of zeroing in on the main culprit of severe summer weather — the thunderstorm — I am going to look at each type of weather warning and outline just what type of weather pattern brings about the best chance of experiencing that warning. The first type […] Read more
Beginning our look at severe summer weather
Knowing an alert from a watch or a warning will help keep you informed, and safe
Reading Time: 3 minutes Usually around this time of the year I start my annual look at severe summer weather, but before we dive into that topic, the global March temperatures are in and the planet has beat another record. March 2015, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was the warmest March since records began […] Read more
Weather stories from one pole to another
It’s been warm at the poles, raining in the driest place in the world, and California is headed for trouble
Reading Time: 3 minutes The snowpack has pretty much disappeared across farmland on the Prairies, and, as is typical with spring, the snow has come and gone a few times now! That said, for the most part, it was a fairly early year for snow cover loss. With rising temperatures our thoughts slowly begin to shift towards more summer-like weather, […] Read more
How the winds blow and big spring snowstorms
A new website lets you see how air is moving around the planet, and history proves that late-winter storms can bring major snowfalls
Reading Time: 3 minutes To start off this week I just have to share one of the coolest weather-related websites I’ve come across in a long time. I think it was last year when I shared a link to a website that showed surface winds across North America. It was a website that was actually created as part of an […] Read more
Alberta’s roller-coaster weather in December
After a cold and snowy start, what does the rest of the winter hold?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Most of you probably know that I don’t live in Alberta, so when I have to talk about Alberta’s weather I depend on the network of weather station data, my knowledge of typical Alberta weather and feedback from you the reader. I have to admit, it can be tough to discuss the weather when you […] Read more
Top Canadian weather stories of 2013
Reading Time: 3 minutes As we begin a new year I always find it interesting to take a look back at what the big weather stories were over the previous year. Environment Canada creates a list of the top Canadian weather stories annually; you can find the full list of stories for 2013 at ec.gc.ca. I don’t always agree […] Read more
All I want for Christmas is a weather station
Reading Time: 4 minutes With pretty much all of Alberta looking and feeling like winter, thoughts are now turning towards Christmas. So, while there’s still time, here is a quick look at some different weather gadgets out there that the weather enthusiast you know just might like under the tree! As usual, I will look at different price points, […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
