A potentially stormy evening is ahead of much of Southern Manitoba as a combination of  factors lead to all severe weather threats being on the table including the potential for tornadoes.

Environment Canada has issued a Tornado Watch for much of Southwestern Manitoba, as far east as the Manitou area. Meanwhile, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch continues for the remainder of the Pembina and Red River Valleys.

“Severe thunderstorms are expected to either move into Southwestern Manitoba from Saskatchewan late Friday afternoon or early evening, or develop on their own,” explained CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. “Due to the dynamics currently in the atmosphere over the southwest region, tornadoes will be possible with any severe storms that do develop.”

According to Environment Canada a frontal boundary associated with an approaching area of low pressure will provide the focus for thunderstorm development over Southern Manitoba late Friday afternoon into the evening.

Currently the tornado threat is less for the Red River Valley and Southeastern Manitoba, but large hail, heavy rain and strong wind gusts will be possible with any severe storms that do make their way into the region.

“The atmosphere is primed, and this could be a potentially dangerous situation if storms do develop,” added Sumner. “It will be very important to stay alert, and up to date on current weather conditions, because they may change very quickly over the next 4 to 6 hours."