Hail storms in Manitoba tip of the iceberg: Environment Canada

If you live in Manitoba, chances are you were checking your vehicle, roof, or balcony for damage after our first big storm of the season.

However, Environment Canada says this week’s hail storm was just the tip of the iceberg for storms Manitoba should expect this summer.

“Without a question, there will be thunderstorms this summer, and without a question, there will be severe thunderstorms this summer,” explained Sara Hoffman, Arctic Warning Preparedness Meteorologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. “Sometimes we can get quite severe weather with temperatures folks might be surprised by.”

Hoffman said some areas saw up to 50 mm of rain with the thunderstorms.

“There were a number of storms, some small ones went through earlier in the evening, and then a large one went through later. All of them produced roughly the same size of hail – anywhere from pea to toonie size, but it wasn’t a single storm which is why in some places it seemed to last a long time,” added Hoffman.

“There is this misconception that you need a 30ºC day to have a severe thunderstorm. That’s just categorically untrue, all you need is an unstable atmosphere.”

Although tornado warnings were issued near the Saskatchewan border, there have been no reports of one touching down. The hail Winnipeg saw was typical in its size according to Weatherlogics.

“What was unusual is how early in the year it happened. Normally our severe thunderstorms tend to really only get going in June and peak in July. The fact that we got something in early May is the more unusual part of the event,” explained Scott Kehler, chief scientist at Weatherlogics.

Places north of Winnipeg, like Ste. Rose Du Lac, saw such a large volume of hail it began to cover the ground like snowfall.

The hail along the Saskatchewan border was recorded at golf ball-sized, and early weather radar reports warned of baseball-sized hail, though Weatherlogics says those reports have not been confirmed.

“This summer we are predicting it will be a stormier than normal year, however, we can’t predict the dates or times up until a few hours in advance or a day in advance,” said Kehler.

And a reminder that regardless of official warnings, when storms blow in, it’s important to take proper precautions.

“Just because a thunderstorm isn’t ‘severe warned’ doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. If you can hear thunder you’re within striking distance of lightning, it’s time to get to a well-constructed shelter, out of the middle of the field, off the golf course. You’re not a hero,” said Hoffman.

Videos on social media were everywhere the night of the storm. Kehler says this is helpful, as the time, location, and size reference of the hail – makes meteorologists’ jobs easier. He’s hoping for more content as the summer storm season continues.