The Countdown is On! One Week Until Solar Eclipse in Saskatchewan

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NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Saskatchewan is in for a rare celestial display of a solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. While it won’t be a total solar eclipse that will be seen in the eastern provinces, this partial eclipse is still an event you don’t want to miss as the Moon moves across and blocks part of the Sun.

Here's what you need to know about this event and how to observe it safely.

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Timing and Coverage

Residents across Saskatchewan will see at least 10% sun coverage, with the extreme northwest corner of the province seeing the least and coverage gradually increasing moving south and east to almost 50% coverage in the southeast corner.

   
Location   		    
Max Coverage   		    
Partial Begins   		    
Maximum   		    
Partial Ends   
   
Estevan   		    
46.32%   		    
11:49 AM   		    
12:54 PM   		    
1:59 PM   
   
Kindersley   		    
32.34%   		    
11:51 AM   		    
12:49 PM   		    
1:48 PM   
   
Lloydminster   		    
27.97%   		    
11:54 AM   		    
12:50 PM   		    
1:46 PM   
   
Moose Jaw   		    
39.58%   		    
11:50 AM   		    
12:52 PM   		    
1:54 PM   
   
North Battleford   		    
31.06%   		    
11:54 AM   		    
12:51 PM   		    
1:49 PM   
   
Prince Albert   		    
33.65%   		    
11:56 AM   		    
12:54 PM   		    
1:53 PM   
   
Regina   		    
40.87%   		    
11:51 AM   		    
12:53 PM   		    
1:56 PM   
   
Saskatoon   		    
34.49%   		    
11:53 AM   		    
12:52 PM   		    
1:52 PM   
   
Swift Current   		    
36.44%   		    
11:49 AM   		    
12:49 PM   		    
1:50 PM   
   
Yorkton   		    
42.41%   		    
11:53 AM   		    
12:56 PM   		    
1:59 PM   

For specific eclipse coverage and timing in your location, you can go to timeanddate.com to find detailed information.

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Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when viewing any solar eclipse, even a partial one. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, follow these crucial precautions:

  • Solar Viewing Glasses: Never attempt to observe the eclipse with the naked eye. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, specifically designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful radiation.

  • Pinhole Projection: If eclipse glasses are unavailable, create a pinhole projector using common materials like cardboard. This indirect method allows you to project the eclipse safely onto a surface for viewing.

  • Telescopes and Binoculars: If using telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with proper solar filters to safeguard your eyes. Never aim them directly at the Sun without these protective measures.

  • Online Streaming: For those unable to view the eclipse in person or seeking a risk-free option, numerous reputable sources will provide live streaming of the event.

  • Local Eclipse Events: Consider joining local astronomy clubs or observatories hosting eclipse-viewing gatherings. These events offer expert guidance and a shared sense of community.

Please note that cloud cover could affect the ability to see the eclipse. Cloud cover is historically 60-70% for early April so be prepared for variable weather conditions and have alternative viewing options available.

Partial Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Across Saskatchewan on April 8th

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NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

Saskatchewan is in for a rare celestial display of a solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. While it won’t be a total solar eclipse that will be seen in the eastern provinces, this partial eclipse is still an event you don’t want to miss as the Moon moves across and blocks part of the Sun.

Here's what you need to know about this event and how to observe it safely.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Timing and Coverage

Residents across Saskatchewan will see at least 10% sun coverage, with the extreme northwest corner of the province seeing the least and coverage gradually increasing moving south and east to almost 50% coverage in the southeast corner.

   
Location   		    
Max Coverage   		    
Partial Begins   		    
Maximum   		    
Partial Ends   
   
Estevan   		    
46.32%   		    
11:49 AM   		    
12:54 PM   		    
1:59 PM   
   
Kindersley   		    
32.34%   		    
11:51 AM   		    
12:49 PM   		    
1:48 PM   
   
Lloydminster   		    
27.97%   		    
11:54 AM   		    
12:50 PM   		    
1:46 PM   
   
Moose Jaw   		    
39.58%   		    
11:50 AM   		    
12:52 PM   		    
1:54 PM   
   
North Battleford   		    
31.06%   		    
11:54 AM   		    
12:51 PM   		    
1:49 PM   
   
Prince Albert   		    
33.65%   		    
11:56 AM   		    
12:54 PM   		    
1:53 PM   
   
Regina   		    
40.87%   		    
11:51 AM   		    
12:53 PM   		    
1:56 PM   
   
Saskatoon   		    
34.49%   		    
11:53 AM   		    
12:52 PM   		    
1:52 PM   
   
Swift Current   		    
36.44%   		    
11:49 AM   		    
12:49 PM   		    
1:50 PM   
   
Yorkton   		    
42.41%   		    
11:53 AM   		    
12:56 PM   		    
1:59 PM   

For specific eclipse coverage and timing in your location, you can go to timeanddate.com to find detailed information.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when viewing any solar eclipse, even a partial one. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, follow these crucial precautions:

  • Solar Viewing Glasses: Never attempt to observe the eclipse with the naked eye. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, specifically designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful radiation.

  • Pinhole Projection: If eclipse glasses are unavailable, create a pinhole projector using common materials like cardboard. This indirect method allows you to project the eclipse safely onto a surface for viewing.

  • Telescopes and Binoculars: If using telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with proper solar filters to safeguard your eyes. Never aim them directly at the Sun without these protective measures.

  • Online Streaming: For those unable to view the eclipse in person or seeking a risk-free option, numerous reputable sources will provide live streaming of the event.

  • Local Eclipse Events: Consider joining local astronomy clubs or observatories hosting eclipse-viewing gatherings. These events offer expert guidance and a shared sense of community.

Please note that cloud cover could affect the ability to see the eclipse. Cloud cover is historically 60-70% for early April so be prepared for variable weather conditions and have alternative viewing options available.

Partial Solar Eclipse to Be Visible Across the Prairies on Saturday

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NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE

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The Prairies are in for a celestial treat as we prepare to witness a partial view of the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023. While not the full "ring of fire" experience seen in some parts of the world, this partial eclipse promises a captivating display of the Moon partially obscuring the Sun's disk.

Here's what you need to know about this event and how to observe it safely.

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Timing and Coverage

On Saturday, residents across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta will be treated to a partial glimpse of the annular solar eclipse. Though not a total eclipse, it will still offer a unique astronomical spectacle. The degree of coverage will vary across the region ranging from over 60% in Southwestern Alberta to 30% in Northeastern Manitoba.

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Solar Eclipse Timing Across the Prairies

Solar Eclipse Timing Across the Prairies

Location Max Obscuration Start Max End
Brandon (MB) 45.9% 10:25 AM CDT 11:39 AM 12:58 PM
Calgary (AB) 60.8% 9:14 AM MDT 10:26 AM 11:45 AM
Edmonton (AB) 53.6% 9:17 AM MDT 10:28 AM 11:44 AM
Fort McMurray (AB) 43.8% 9:23 AM MDT 10:31 AM 11:43 AM
Grande Prairie (AB) 54.7% 9:16 AM MDT 10:25 AM 11:39 AM
La Ronge (SK) 41.1% 9:26 AM CST 10:35 AM 11:48 AM
Lethbridge (AB) 63.1% 9:13 AM MDT 10:27 AM 11:47 AM
Lloydminster (SK) 50.5% 9:19 AM MDT 10:30 AM 11:46 AM
Medicine Hat (AB) 59.4% 9:15 AM MDT 10:29 AM 11:48 AM
Moose Jaw (SK) 52.1% 9:20 AM CST 10:33 AM 11:52 AM
Prince Albert (SK) 45.8% 9:23 AM CST 10:34 AM 11:49 AM
Red Deer (AB) 57.3% 9:15 AM MDT 10:27 AM 11:44 AM
Regina (SK) 50.7% 9:20 AM CST 10:34 AM 11:53 AM
Saskatoon (SK) 49.3% 9:20 AM CST 10:33 AM 11:50 AM
The Pas (MB) 39.2% 10:28 AM CDT 11:38 AM 12:52 PM
Thompson (MB) 31.9% 10:35 AM CDT 11:42 AM 12:52 PM
Winnipeg (MB) 42.0% 10:28 AM CDT 11:42 AM 1:00 PM

For specific eclipse coverage and timing in your location, you can go to timeanddate.com to find detailed information.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when viewing any solar eclipse, even a partial one. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, follow these crucial precautions:

  • Solar Viewing Glasses: Never attempt to observe the eclipse with the naked eye. Only use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, specifically designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful radiation.

  • Pinhole Projection: If eclipse glasses are unavailable, create a pinhole projector using common materials like cardboard. This indirect method allows you to project the eclipse safely onto a surface for viewing.

  • Telescopes and Binoculars: If using telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with proper solar filters to safeguard your eyes. Never aim them directly at the Sun without these protective measures.

  • Online Streaming: For those unable to view the eclipse in person or seeking a risk-free option, numerous reputable sources will provide live streaming of the event.

  • Local Eclipse Events: Consider joining local astronomy clubs or observatories hosting eclipse-viewing gatherings. These events offer expert guidance and a shared sense of community.

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

GOOGLE AD (NOT ENDORSED BY INSTANT WEATHER)

Please note that cloud cover could affect the ability to see the eclipse. Be prepared for variable weather conditions and have alternative viewing options available. We will be closely tracking the forecast over the coming days and will have more updates on our social media pages.

As you anticipate the partial view of the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, remember to prioritize safety while immersing yourself in this celestial marvel. With proper precautions and a sense of awe, you can make the most of this extraordinary astronomical event.

Canada's First Tornado of 2023 Confirmed Near Regina, Saskatchewan

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In what may seem like an unusually late start to Canada's tornado season, the nation's first tornado of 2023 touched down near Regina, Saskatchewan on May 27. The tornado, confirmed by both the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), caused significant localized damage but resulted in no reported injuries.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY TORNADO - Photo courtesy of the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP)

The tornado occurred southeast of Regina at 8:55 p.m., initially rated as EF0, the lowest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale used to rate tornado strength. However, an NTP survey team later upgraded the rating to EF1, indicating more significant damage with an estimated maximum wind speed of 150 km/h.

The major impact was on a farm near Rowatt, where a large machine shed suffered roof damage. Witnesses reported debris blown up to 2.5 km NNE of the damage site. The owner of the farm, Jennifer Kreklewich, described the scene as a "disaster" and said the damage was more severe than what photos could show.

 
 

In addition to the tornado, the supercell storm also brought heavy rain, flooding, and severe hail to Regina that same night. Flash flooding led to water backlogs and multiple stranded vehicles in Regina's underpasses, with water damage reports pouring into insurance companies the next day. One notable business closure due to flooding was the Shoppers Drug Mart on Broad Street. There were also reports of toonie-sized hail across Regina.

According to Terri Lang, a meteorologist with ECCC, the size of a tornado doesn't necessarily indicate its strength. A tornado's strength is determined by the damage it causes, not its physical appearance. This is why many tornadoes are rated EF0, especially those that touch down in remote areas where their ability to cause damage can't be accurately analyzed. And was later upgraded once the damage was uncovered.

At the time of the storm, a local radar station near Regina was down, making it challenging for meteorologists to track the storm. ECCC meteorologists used radar near Saskatoon, western Manitoba, and northern Montana, as well as satellite photos, surface observations, and lightning detectors, to track the storm. The lack of a functioning local radar may have led to a delay in the tornado warning, which was issued seven minutes after the tornado touched down. There was a thunderstorm warning issued just after 8 p.m., following reports of heavy rain and hail.

Despite the challenges faced due to the radar outage, the tornado was quickly detected thanks to reports sent into Instant Weather from community members including from Stephanie W. that shared a picture that showed a clear funnel with debris on the ground

Additional tornado reports were received from storm chaser Craig Boehm which led Environment Canada to issue a tornado warning after touchdown. The Bethune radar station, which was down at the time, has returned to service.

SOURCES

  1. First tornado of the year touches down near Regina, CTV News
  2. NTP survey team report, Twitter
  3. South Saskatchewan storm leads to first confirmed tornado of 2023, Global News
  4. Meteorologists challenged after local radar station down during Regina tornado, Toronto Star