Rain, cool temperatures for May long weekend in Calgary

Although the calendar won’t mark the start of summer for more than a month, May long weekend is often considered the unofficial start of summer.

Whether you’re heading out of the city to the mountains, camping, or taking in events across the city, it’s advised to look at the forecast.

It won’t be cold, but it won’t be warm either.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says rain is likely for two of the three days.

Friday’s forecast is a mix of sun and cloud with 60 per cent showers and a risk of a thunderstorm late in the afternoon. The possibility for rain continues into the evening and overnight.

Not much changes for Saturday; ECCC says the high will be 15 C with a mix of sun and clouds in the morning. There’s a 60 per cent chance of rain in the afternoon and a risk of a thunderstorm.

It’s much the same for Sunday; a high of 14 C with a 30 per cent chance of showers.

Victoria Day Monday is looking to be the best of the bunch — a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 18 C.

Christy Climenhaga with ECCC says Calgary has seen heavy rain over the May long weekend for the last five years.

“It is going to be relatively wet and cool as you head through the long weekend into Monday, maybe a bit of release,” she explained. “So, if you’re trying to plan a day to get outside, Monday might be closer to seasonal, back to the mid-teens.”

Back in 2022, the city actually saw a little snow over the holiday long weekend.

“Last time they saw snow at the airport on May long was in 2022, just trace amounts and then a little steadier snowfall in 2015 for May long weekend,” Climenhaga said.

There are a number of road closures and disruptions to transit in Calgary over the long weekend. For a list of what’s open and closed in the city this weekend for Victoria Day, click here.

For the latest in weather, traffic, and news, tune into 660 NewsRadio for updates every 10 minutes on the ones.

-With files from Shilpa Downton