A ‘meh’ forecast is on tap for the first Calgary Stampede weekend
Get your boots and hats ready, folks! The 2025 Calgary Stampede officially kicks off this week, although the weather forecast is looking a little… meh.
The last few days, including Canada Day, have been pretty sweaty with heat warnings in effect for Wednesday, July 2. Daytime temperatures are expected to approach 30°C, so this afternoon could be a good time to break out the kiddie pool and cool off if you can.
Of course, summer also means thunderstorm season for Alberta, and some parts of the province are under warning for large hail and even tornadoes!
Lucky for Calgary, we seem to have escaped the more extreme weather. More moderate temperatures are expected to start on Thursday, giving locals a break from the intense heat. The tradeoff is that there is a slight risk of showers in the evening.
Unfortunately for Stampede goers, this weekend is when things start to backslide a little.
According to the seven-day forecast from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Calgary is headed for a very “mid” (as the kids would say) weekend weather forecast. Conditions are expected to be cloudy on Saturday, and cloudy with a chance of showers on Sunday and Monday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Now, if you were hoping to get a lot of walking in at Stampede, this weather outlook might not be bad news. Cloudy skies mean you’re less likely to get a sunburn, a known Stampedede hazard by many unlucky fair goers.
Although if you plan to visit the grounds on Sunday or Monday, we’d suggest bringing an umbrella or something waterproof — just in case.
Naturally, most Calgarians won’t let a little sub-optimal weather rain on their parade. Between the BMO Centre and smaller event centres on-site, there’s plenty to do at Stampede that will keep you under cover in case of sudden rain.
Are you planning to go to Stampede this opening weekend? Let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments below.