Calgary forecast hints at large hail and a possible tornado risk tomorrow
Stampede is in full swing here in Calgary but it’s best to be weather aware because a fresh thunderstorm outlook is hinting at the potential of severe weather tomorrow.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre say a variety of severe weather threats are on the table for parts of southern Alberta, including around Calgary.
Forecasters say that a shortwave is set to pass across west-central Alberta tonight and spawn a frontal system over the centre of the province. Convection may happen late this afternoon, and if anything does, an isolated supercell may pop up.
Hot weather is expected today as well, with highs ranging up to 35°C before a cold front presses southwards, however, the southeastern corner of the province may see the heat stick around into tomorrow.
Turning to tomorrow, the outlook mentions that if all the ingredients needed for severe weather between Calgary and Medicine Hat come together, the possibility exists for an isolated supercell or two to sprout up.
“There exists the possibility of a tornado, as any supercell will probably be of the high precipitation or classic variety,” the outlook said, adding that the concern for severe weather may be heightened depending on how tomorrow shakes out.
The current risks on top of the tornado and hail threat for tomorrow include wind gusts of up to 100 km/h and 50 millimetres of rain.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
Turning to the seven-day forecast for Calgary, it’s looking to be a scorcher today before we cool down along bit as we work through the work week, and a mostly sunny last few days of the Stampede.
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada
You can view the full ECCC thunderstorm outlook online.