Alberta forecast to see thunderstorms with risk of Timbit-sized hail today

Some areas of Alberta could be under the threat of severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, with the risk of Timbit-sized hail and high winds forecast.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre show large swaths of Alberta under the gun to potentially see some strong thunderstorm activity today, June 16.

The most potent risk includes the Calgary region, right to the Saskatchewan border, and south to Medicine Hat and the U.S. border.

The moderate weather risk for that region outlines that wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour may occur, with thunderstorms that could bring hail up to four centimetres in size, the equivalent of a Timbit. Rainfall totals of 30 millimetres are also at play.

ECCC Storm Prediction Centre

A large stretch of the rest of Alberta, including Lethbridge, the entire Rockies, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Edson, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, and High Level, could see thunderstorms that could produce wind gusts up to 70 kilometres an hour, hail one centimetre in size, and up to 30 millimetres of rain.

As of writing, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by ECCC for much of southern Alberta, including the City of Calgary.

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“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, which may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain. There is also a slight chance of a tornado,” the watch stated.

ECCC added that if threatening weather approaches, take cover in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail. When thunder roars, go indoors. Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings and overturn vehicles. Large hail can cause significant damage and injury.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind, or rain.

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