3 tornadoes confirmed in Manitoba and Saskatchewan this weekend

Three confirmed tornadoes struck Manitoba and Saskatchewan over the weekend, according to Environment Canada and the Northern Tornadoes Project. The storms developed in late morning and afternoon hours across Saskatchewan, moving towards the Manitoba border and triggering tornado warnings. One tornado touched down five kilometers south of the community of Maryfield, Sask., around 4 p.m. Sunday.

A team from the Northern Tornadoes Project is investigating another tornado report in Kelso, Sask., and other affected areas. In Manitoba, at least two tornadoes struck, with twisters touching down more than 300 kilometers west of Winnipeg in Kola and Elkhorn. Manitoba has experienced more tornado activity than average this summer, with 11 confirmed tornadoes so far, compared to the usual annual total of seven or eight.

The extreme heat and humidity in the Prairies this summer contributed to the stormy weather, resulting in a record number of tornadoes. Before 2020, tracking tornadoes was inconsistent due to limited technology. This year alone, 77 tornadoes have been recorded on the Prairies, the highest number in the past decade.