Severe weather threat for Alberta today includes tornadoes and large hail
We are creeping into peak severe thunderstorm season in Alberta, and today could see storms with tornadoes and very large hail.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre say that the peak of the heat is expected today across much of the eastern half of Alberta, with much of central Alberta seeing highs near 30Ā°C and southeastern regions reaching into the mid-30s.
A cold front sweeping through tonight will bring cooler temperatures to much of the province tomorrow, though the southeast will see one more day of heat before cooling down on Friday.
Forecasters note that the gradual eastward shift of the upper ridge will bring the potential for severe convection this afternoon and evening for much of Alberta.
“Assuming that storms do fire, supercell modes are likely, with very large hail and strong winds being the main threats,” the outlook stated, with hail up to six centimetres in size and wind gusts in the 90 to 110 km/h range.
These storms are forecast to move into northeastern Alberta and northwestern Saskatchewan overnight, and the chance of a tornado can’t be ruled out in the vicinity of the surface low, which is set to pop up west of Edmonton this afternoon and track northeast.
Models suggest the development and extension of a dryline to the south of that area, roughly along the Highway 2 corridor between Red Deer and Calgary. Moisture will likely be shallower and less plentiful, with the greatest threat being strong winds if they do materialize.
Another risk area is showing up for southern Alberta, with meteorologists saying that conditions will be much drier in this area. The primary threat is very strong wind gusts up to 120 km/h, and is contingent on whether thunderstorms will be able to initiate at all.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
The outlook added that smoke from wildfires continues to contribute to poor air quality in a few regions in northern Alberta, and not much improvement is expected in the coming days.
If you’re curious about how July is shaping up for Alberta, we chatted with an ECCC meteorologist on what is in the forecast.
The thunderstorm outlook for tonight shifts the moderate weather threat in Alberta, with areas stretching from just northeast of Edmonton to Fort McMurray under the gun for 80 to 90 km/h wind gusts, hail up to three centimetres in size, and 25 millimetres of rain.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
Turning to the seven-day forecast for Edmonton and Calgary, it’s looking to be a scorcher today before we cool down, along with a potentially damp and grey first weekend of the Calgary Stampede.
Edmonton
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada
You can view the full ECCC thunderstorm outlook online.