Severe thunderstorm watches issued for parts of southern Saskatchewan

A swath of southern Saskatchewan was under a severe thunderstorm watch Wednesday afternoon.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m., Environment Canada issued watches for areas around Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Coronach, Shaunavon, Maple Creek and Val Marie.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” the advisory said. “Thunderstorms are expected to develop along a trough of low pressure this evening before tracking northeast into the overnight hours. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe.”

The weather service reminded people that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.

Environment Canada said it issues severe thunderstorm watches when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce large hail, damaging winds or torrential rainfall.