Calgary severe thunderstorm warning issued as storm season lingers
Posted Aug 4, 2022 4:38 pm.
Last Updated Aug 4, 2022 4:45 pm.
Keep your eye on the sky again this afternoon as Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the city, Airdrie and Okotoks region, and other parts of Southern and Central Alberta.
At 2:56 p.m. MDT Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel-size hail, and heavy rain.
Severe thunderstorms are possible over central and east-central AB this afternoon. Stay up to date on our alerts by downloading our WeatherCan App or by visiting our website: https://t.co/9YO1MbFBP6#ABStorm pic.twitter.com/xOvrhyRrze
— ECCC Weather Alberta (@ECCCWeatherAB) August 4, 2022
This severe thunderstorm is located 10 km southwest of Airdrie and is moving east at 20 km/h.
Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon with the chance of large hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.
It covers much of the surrounding area and stretches up to the Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House and east to the Hanna area.
Related Article: Alberta’s hail storm Monday damages at least 34 vehicles
Environment Canada meteorologist, Sara Hoffman, says it has been a more active severe weather season across Alberta, and that it’s been a busy storm season.
“If we’re looking at this in comparison to even just the last 2 years, it’s certainly been an above-normal year in terms of severe thunderstorms, but Alberta is really no stranger to hail,” said Hoffman.
She says the last couple of summers saw more hot, dry weather that led to smoky conditions because of forest fires in the last two years. However, she also notes Alberta typically sees major hailstorms during the summertime.
“[There were] way less reports of severe thunderstorms than in comparison to this year where we had moisture and heat, which is all the energy needed for the thunderstorm,” said Hoffman.
Related Article: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Calgary and surrounding areas
She adds that Calgary has seen numerous and very expensive hailstorms, the most notable being the June 2020 hailstorm from a couple of years ago which caused at least $1.2 billion dollars worth of damage.
“If we were to compare it to the last two years in terms of frequency, yes, it seems to be a bit more of a busier year. But in terms of you know the history of the province and severe storms and impactful storms I think it’s just kind of business as usual.”
While storms are expected in our area, in northern Alberta, rainfall warnings are out with 50 to 60 millimeters of rain possible around Fort McMurray, Bonnyville, and Slave Lake.
