Alberta at risk for thunderstorms with 100 km/h wind gusts and large hail today
It’s shaping up to be an active weather day for a large chunk of Alberta today, with the risk of thunderstorms with strong wind gusts and hail.
According to the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre, forecasters say a north-south oriented trough combined with a cold front will move from west to east across Alberta today, spurring showers and thunderstorms.
“These high-based thunderstorms will move quickly, making strong wind gusts, up to 100 km/h, the primary threat,” the centre stated.
In addition to the strong wind gusts, nickel-sized hail is also possible in central and northern Alberta.
The moderate weather threat includes both Calgary and Edmonton, and stretches as far north as just on the outskirts of Fort McMurray.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
Severe thunderstorm watches were issued for a large portion of Alberta Monday afternoon, including for Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park, Sundre, Drumheller, and Whitecourt.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail,” the warning for much of Alberta stated.
“Thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and continue through the evening. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible. Secure loose objects. Large hail can cause significant damage and injury.
ECCC added that severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or rain.
Temperatures across Alberta will be cooler tomorrow; however, by midweek, daytime highs are expected to be near 30°C for much of the province.
Looking at the seven-day forecast for Edmonton and Calgary, it’s shaping up to be a warm one. YEG is expected to reach a peak high of 30°C on Thursday, while YYC is also forecast to reach its peak high on Thursday with 29°C.
Edmonton
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada