Alberta at risk for thunderstorms with toonie-sized hail and winds today
We are almost into June here in Alberta, and the chance of thunderstorm activity with hail is ticking up, with active weather for a large chunk of the province today.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre indicate that most of the province will reach 30°C today before a cold front sweeps through.
Forecasters say there will be enough provided ingredients for severe thunderstorms to try and come together, allowing for severe thunderstorms if they do materialize.
Very strong wind gusts in the 80 to 100 km/h range could happen this afternoon and evening from Great Bear Lake, which is up in the Northwest Territories, all the way down to the U.S. border.
There is also a risk of hail being produced with these thunderstorms as they develop in Alberta today, with hailstones reaching a maximum size of three centimetres, approximately the size of a toonie.
The moderate weather threat includes Red Deer and Edmonton, and stretches as far northwest as just south of Peace River.
The minor weather threat hugs most of the province outside of the moderate risk, including Calgary, Fort McMurray, High Level, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat. That risk includes 20 mm of rain and 60 to 80 km/h wind gusts.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
The outlook also noted that several wildfires are burning across northern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia, producing notable smoke that has resulted in poor air quality for some regions.
The cold frontal passage is expected to improve conditions in those areas, at least temporarily, according to forecasters.
Severe thunderstorm watches were issued by ECCC for large portions of central and northern Alberta shortly before noon on Thursday, including for Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Drayton Valley, Swan Hills, Rocky Mountain House, Edson, and Slave Lake.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible,” the watch stated.
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 today, while YYC is also forecast to go even higher today with a scorching 31°C.
Much of the province is currently under a heat warning; however, with the passage of this cold front this afternoon, the hot temperatures are expected to come to an end.
Edmonton
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada