Thunderstorms with massive hail risk target very populated parts of Alberta Thursday
It’s been an active week for severe weather threats in Alberta, and that risk continues today with thunderstorms that may produce extremely large hail and potentially tornadoes.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre show some heavily populated parts of Alberta at risk of severe thunderstorm activity today, July 16.
There is a high-risk zone present in the province today, with Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie, Red Deer, Cochrane, and Lethbridge grouped into that risk area.
Weather risks in that area include wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres an hour, with thunderstorms that could bring hail up to seven centimetres in size, the equivalent of a baseball. Up to 70 millimetres of rain may also occur if a thunderstorm materializes, and the possibility of a tornado forming can’t be ruled out.
A moderate risk zone exists just outside of the high risk, which hugs lots of the Foothills and almost touches out to Medicine Hat and Edmonton. 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.
A second moderate risk zone can be found in northeastern Alberta, along with the risk of funnel clouds forming.
Other parts of the province, including Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Fort McMurray, Edson, Lloydminster, Cold Lake, and Medicine Hat, are at risk of seeing thunderstorms that could produce wind gusts of 80 kilometres an hour, hail up to two centimetres in size, which is about the size of a grape, and up to 30 millimetres of rain.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued by ECCC shortly before 11 a.m. for much of the Foothills and southern Alberta, with the watch stating that conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms this afternoon and this evening that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain.
“Remember, severe thunderstorms could produce tornadoes. 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,” the watch added.
You can check for any current weather watches and warnings on the ECCC website.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre
The risk of severe weather with hail and thunderstorms in Alberta dies off when we hit the overnight hours, with the outlook for early Friday showing no activity for the province.