Alberta at risk for thunderstorms with 110 km/h wind gusts and large hail today
A fresh batch of thunderstorms are potentially brewing for parts of Alberta today, bringing with them high wind gusts and large hail.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre indicate that temperatures will rise to near 30°C this afternoon for some parts of the province, with dew points maxing out in the low teens.
“Coupled with a 60-70 KT jet at 500 HPA, inverted-v profiles mean that there could be considerable momentum transfer along a strong cold front that develops in association with this system,” the outlook stated for Saturday, May 31.
Very strong wind gusts in the 100 to 110 km/h range, perhaps not unlike recent events this past week, could happen in the moderate weather threat area, which includes Edmonton, and stretches to northeast of the city and to its southwest.
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 minor weather threat hugs most of the province outside of the moderate risk, including Edson, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, and Lloydminster. That risk includes 70 km/h wind gusts.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
The outlook also noted that a number of wildfires continue to produce notable smoke in northern Alberta, with much of that area of the province under a special air quality statement or an air quality warning.
Forecasters say southerly flow ahead of an incoming shortwave will push much of the smoke northward today, away from central Alberta and closer to the 60th parallel.
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 just a tad lower today with a lovely 29°C.
Edmonton
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada