Severe thunderstorms target Alberta Thursday with large hail and tornado risk
Some very populated areas of Alberta could be under the threat of severe thunderstorms today, with certain spots even seeing the risk of huge hail and a tornado.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), thunderstorm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Centre say that there is an area of high risk today for large hail and the chance of a tornado forming.
Forecasters noted the “clear potential for severe weather today with a frontal system developing over northern Alberta,” with a system this afternoon and evening eyeing up Calgary northwards through central Alberta.
“Supercell and even tornadic development are a concern from about Airdrie north to Drayton Valley and then eastwards across the QEII. Here bulk wind difference may exceed 40 knots, and there’s concern a bulging dryline (more near Airdrie) and later the cold front (more in the Drayton Valley region) could add curvature to the shear and low level vorticity,” the outlook noted.
The high risk in Alberta for Thursday, July 24, encompasses large stretch of central Alberta, with much of the QEII and cities like Red Deer under the gun for the threat of wind gusts up to 110 km/h, hail up to five centimetres in size, rainfall up to 30 millimetres, and the chance of a tornado popping up.
The moderate risk zone in Alberta is wide-reaching and includes Edmonton, Calgary, Lloydminster, Fort McMurray, and High Level. Hazards in this area include wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, rainfall up to 30 millimetres, and hail up to three centimetres in size.
A minor risk zone is also present in western and portions of northern Alberta, with areas like Grande Prairie, Edson, Banff, and Jasper National Parks potentially seeing thunderstorms with wind gusts of up to 70 km/h, hail up to two centimetres in size, and 30 millimetres of rain.
Forecasters noted that thunderstorms are expected to trigger over the northern and central portions of the province today, and will spread from west to east as an upper trough digs in and a low-pressure system starts to develop over Alberta.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
Looking at the thunderstorm threat tonight, things simmer down across the province with portions of northern and central Alberta at risk of seeing up to 80 km/h wind gusts, hail up to two centimetres in size, and up to 30 millimetres of rainfall.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
Tomorrow, Friday, July 25, is also shaping up to be a concerning day for severe weather over southern Alberta according to the outlook, with forecasters taking note of a cold front pressing southwards in the province.
“Warm humid air will provide plenty of instability, the 500 mb jet will be well positioned in the region, and some guidance suggests an easterly flow near the Foothills which would add to bulk wind shear.”
Taking a look at the seven-day forecast for Edmonton and Calgary, both cities are set to see plenty of showers, especially in YYC. It sure has been a rain-rich July! Fingers crossed it stays dry for the upcoming August long weekend, and from the looks of the middle of next week, the heat may be arriving.
Edmonton
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada
You can view the full ECCC thunderstorm outlook online.