Risk of thunderstorms with damaging hail forecast around Calgary today

Some unsettled weather may pop up around the Calgary region today, with a risk of severe thunderstorms and very large hail in the forecast.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre show large portions of central and southern Alberta at risk of potentially seeing some severe thunderstorm activity today, July 9.

There is a high-risk zone present in the province today, hugging some of eastern Alberta, with spots like Hanna, Youngstown, Sunnynook, and Oyen blanketed by that orange risk zone.

Weather risks in that area include wind gusts of up to 120 kilometres an hour, with thunderstorms that could bring hail up to six centimetres in size, the equivalent of a tennis ball. Up to 75 millimetres of rain may also occur if a thunderstorm materializes, and the possibility of a tornado forming can’t be ruled out.

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There is also a moderate weather risk that includes Calgary, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat. Weather risks in that area include wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres an hour, with thunderstorms that could bring hail up to five centimetres in size, the equivalent of a golf ball. Around 50 millimetres of rain may also fall due to a storm. If you’re hanging around the Calgary Stampede grounds today, be sure to keep an eye on the forecast.

As of writing, a severe thunderstorm watch is in place for Calgary, with ECCC stating that conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. There is also a risk of a tornado.

Severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and persist through the evening.

ECCC Storm Prediction Centre

Turning to the outlook for tomorrow, July 10, areas east of Calgary may see wind gusts up to 70 kilometres an hour and hail up to two centimetres in size if thunderstorms develop.

ECCC Storm Prediction Centre

You can check for any current weather watches and warnings on the ECCC website.