Thunderstorms target Alberta with MORE rain and large hail today
It’s looking to be a wet one in Alberta today, with much of the province expecting thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and even large hail in some areas.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Storm Prediction Centre’s thunderstorm outlooks indicate two areas of moderate risk today for large hail and high wind gusts.
Forecasters noted that it was “another unsettled day on tap for parts of the Alberta Foothills,” with a renewed risk of severe weather for areas along the 49th parallel.
The moderate risk zone with the biggest threats in Alberta for Monday, July 28, encompasses a large section of southern Alberta, including heavily populated areas like Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. Hazards in this area include wind gusts of up to 90 km/h and hail up to five centimetres in size.
“Supercells are the most likely storm mode today, with marginally severe hail for areas northwest of Calgary where cape/shear is somewhat lower,” the outlook stated.
The tornado risk for today is also rather low; however, wind gusts in excess of 100 km/h cannot be ruled out for parts of southern Alberta.
A minor risk zone is also present in portions of central and northern Alberta, with areas like Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Edson, Hinton, 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 up to 40 millimetres of rain.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
Looking at the thunderstorm threat tonight, things wind down across the province with portions of southern Alberta at risk of seeing up to 80 km/h wind gusts.
A warm upper ridge is expected to begin building later this evening, allowing for hot temperatures to develop mid-week across a large portion of the province.
ECCC Storm Prediction Centre Edmonton
Taking a look at the seven-day forecast for Edmonton and Calgary, both cities are looking to see a nice sunny work week; however, things start to take a turn come the August long weekend. Let’s hope it’s not completely rain-filled!
Edmonton
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Calgary
Environment and Climate Change Canada
You can view the full ECCC thunderstorm outlook online.