Regional Impacts
Today.
Scattered thunderstorms for western NB and portions of NS this afternoon and evening. Main threat is torrential downpours, but strong wind gusts are also possible in the stronger cells. There is a chance of a strong to severe thunderstorm for the eastern mainland. Storms should be non-severe for western NB.
Tonight.
Isolated thunderstorms possible for NS, PEI and portions of NB. Main threat is torrential downpours.
Sunday.
Isolated thunderstorms possible for Cape Breton. Main threat is torrential downpours.
Convective Discussion
There are a couple features that will impact the region today – a weak trough that’s currently stretching from the Cape Cod area into southwestern NB and an upstream short wave trough currently over southern Quebec. The aforementioned trough could be the catalyst for an isolated strong to severe thunderstorm this afternoon/evening for a portion of eastern NS. The 12Z tephi out of YQI looks decent and adjusting the surface temp and dewpoint results in a mixed CAPE close to 1000 J/KG. There is also decent shear of around 35 knots. Of course there is PLENTY of low level moisture as we continue to be plagued with very high humidity near the surface (PWAT just shy of 50 mm at YQI). The instability is modest as well so we just need some sunshine to fire off a storm or 2. Upstream SAT PIX does show some openings in the overcast ST/SC deck but also some fairly fast approaching mid-level cloud in the gulf of ME. Given the recent flooding in areas of NS there is somewhat heightened awareness today in the event we see cells develop. The one saving grace would be the forward motion of the convection as the mean flow would have it moving eastward at 60-70 km/h. Rainfall rates of up to 50 mm/h look possible. The issue would be if we see any training/back-building of cells. We shall see…
The second feature mentioned above is already producing some storms upstream. As the short wave approaches ME and western NB we expect to see some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and into this evening. Locally torrential downpours seem to be the main concern.
There could be some isolated convection tonight and into Sunday morning for eastern NB, NS and PEI as that same short wave moves across the MRTMS. And given what we are seeing at this hour in southern QB there is a chance that Cape Breton sees a isolated cells Sunday afternoon as the short wave just exits the region.
Thunderstorm Outlook for Today
Thunderstorm Outlook for Tonight
Thunderstorm Outlook for Tomorrow
Jeremy