A big weather change is hitting Alberta soon with some SERIOUS heat
Alberta is getting an early taste of summer soon, with a strong blast of heat and hot temperatures on the way for much of the province.
So dig out that sunscreen and find the nearest body of water to you, because it’s going to get downright balmy in Alberta.
Daily Hive chatted with Stephen Berg, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), regarding the warmth coming our way and what Albertans should expect.
Alberta has a ridge of high pressure to thank for the upcoming warm spell
It may have felt a little chilly for some areas in Alberta earlier this week, especially in Edmonton and Calgary, but that’s all set to change soon.
Berg says that a ridge of high pressure is coming in from the west and it’s building up quite a bit, and could be funnelling in some warm air from the south and the southwest.
“Temperatures will be on the upswing Friday, Saturday, and then Sunday from the high teens to high 20s temperatures by Sunday and then maybe into the 30s by early next week for Edmonton. It’ll be a little bit cooler in Calgary, but by matter of a couple of degrees or so.”
How long is this heat expected to last in Alberta?
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It’s looking like the hottest stretch of temperatures so far this year is in the cards for both Edmonton and Calgary, and you’d better get out and enjoy it while it lasts.
Temperatures are shaping up to cool down to more normal values for this time of year by next weekend, perhaps as soon as late next week.
“Some models are showing some different numbers. But yeah, certainly, quite a bit above seasonal for several days anyway,” Berg added.
Thunderstorms during the upcoming heat shouldn’t be an issue
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As Alberta moves closer into prime severe storm season, Berg says there might be some unsettled conditions up to this Saturday, like possible showers or thunderstorms, but it looks to be generally relatively dry for the most part during this upcoming heat event.
As the heat wanes at the end of next week, there could be some rain associated with that, especially if there’s a cold front that passes by. The chances of that happening, however, are still hard to say due to it being a week away from now.
Looking at the seven-day ECCC forecast for Edmonton and Calgary, the peak of the heat for both cities should be Monday and Tuesday, with YEG seeing gorgeous double highs of 31°C, while YYC is forecast to hit 28°C and 29°C, respectively.
Edmonton
Environment and Climate Change Canada
The ECCC states that the average high for this time of year in Edmonton is 19°C, while the average low is 7°C.
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada
The ECCC states that the average high for this time of year in Calgary is 18°C, while the average low is 4°C.
As for advice for Albertans as we slide into this warm spell, Berg stressed that as temperatures make a run at the 30°C mark and beyond, it’s important to stay hydrated and lather on the sunscreen.
“Make sure you’re in tune with how you’re feeling, if you start feeling warm, or if you have an underlying health condition. Those who are pregnant and others, elderly and young people, they need to maybe take some adequate precautions for potential heat issues.”