Wild weather Wednesday: Heavy rain, strong wind on tap for Calgary

A special weather statement was issued for much of southern Alberta Tuesday, including Calgary, ahead of a one-day weather curveball.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says heavy rain and strong winds were expected to begin late Tuesday and will last through most of Wednesday.

“We have large low careening through our province,” says 660 NewsRadio meterologist Kevin Stanfield, who says showers, and potentially thundershowers, are possible on Tuesday night before rain develops around midnight.

Rain continued overnight Tuesday and through Wednesday morning with up to 40 mm expected in Calgary by Wednesday night, according to ECCC.

Strong northerly winds will begin early Wednesday and gusts of 80 km/h are possible. The wind gusts are expected to calm down by the late afternoon.

Snow is even possible in parts of the province at higher elevation.

“Snow will stay generally above valley bottom in the Rockies,” says ECCC meteorologists. “But some higher roadways, like Highwood Pass, and many recreational trails in and near Kananaskis country could see 10 to 15 cm of snow.”

The fall-like conditions will be short-lived with daytime highs returning to the mid-20s on Thursday and through the Labour Day long weekend.

Listen to 660 NewsRadio for the latest weather updates every 10 minutes.