Weather advisories, thunderstorm warning issued for southwestern Sask.

Environment Canada issued weather advisories Tuesday afternoon for areas in southwestern Saskatchewan, saying conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds.

“These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms,” reads the advisory, which was issued just before 3 p.m.

“This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.”

The advisory covers areas around Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Coronach, Kindersley, Rosetown, Biggar, Wilkie, Macklin, Leader, Gull Lake, Moose Jaw, Pense, Central Butte, Craik, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Val Marie, Cypress Hills, Swift Current, Herbert, Cabri, Kyle and Lucky Lake.

Just before 4 p.m., Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Leader-Gull Lake area. The weather service said the storm was capable of producing “very strong wind gusts, up to toonie size hail and heavy rain.”

More information can be found on the Environment Canada website.