SASKATCHEWAN — The heavy rain that drenched much of the province during the Labour Day long weekend brought more than 100 millimetres (mm) of rain to some areas.
Keane Kokolsky, an operational meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said that as of the morning of Sept. 8, the highest amount recorded through Environment Canada's observing network was 103.9 millimetres at Last Mountain Lake.
Kokolsky noted that according to voluntary, backyard weather observers with the Cocorahs system, Weyburn recorded the most precipitation at 106.9 mm. Also, Regina had 100.8 mm, Saskatoon received 76 mm and Lucky Lake had 98.6 mm.
“That was due to the nature of the strong low-pressure system that moved through as well, along with the thunderstorms and how much moisture they had, and how fast they were moving,” said Kokolsky.
The thunderstorms moved slowly, he said, and with the moisture in the air, a lot of rainfall developed.
Other Environment Canada stations with large accumulations were Elbow (81), Indian Head (76.5) and Radville (72.4).
Kokolsky hasn’t directly received any reports of flooding, but he has seen photos on social media of areas with large amounts of water.
Rainfall warnings remain in effect for southwest and northeast Saskatchewan. Communities in 15 RMs are covered. Kokolsky expects the warning will possibly into the evening or even the overnight hours for the southwest.
Kokolsky expects people should have a reprieve from the rain until Sept. 10. Another “vigorous” system is expected to roll into northern Saskatchewan later this week, but the accumulations wouldn’t be as significant as what was received during the weekend.
