Large hail, soaking rains expected into this weekend
Beware the risk for severe storms over the next couple of days, and keep up with the latest watches and warnings in your area
A spell of active weather continues on the western Prairies to end the week, bringing the risk for severe thunderstorms to some major population centres, while much-needed drenching rains fall up north.
Stay up-to-date with the latest watches and warnings in your area, and have a plan in place to seek safe shelter if severe thunderstorms threaten your location on Friday and Saturday.
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Friday storms could pack large hail
A centre of low pressure will develop and move north across Alberta on Friday, bringing persistent rain to northern portions of the province.
Farther south, expect a risk for thunderstorms to develop as instability builds from central Alberta through southwestern Saskatchewan. Higher levels of thunderstorm energy are possible toward the southern extent of the provincial border by Friday evening.
Friday’s risk for severe thunderstorms includes Edmonton, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat. The strongest storms in this region could produce large hail and strong wind gusts. Funnel clouds are also possible in central Alberta, and the potential for a landspout isn’t out of the question.
The changing wind direction should help clear some of the smoke out of southern regions by the afternoon hours.
The risk for severe thunderstorms will shift east into Saskatchewan on Saturday as the low-pressure system moves east across the northern Prairies.
A risk for storms will extend from southeastern B.C. through central Saskatchewan, including the cities of Calgary and Regina.
Folks around Prince Albert and Saskatoon should remain alert to start the weekend, as dynamics here will be favourable for storms to produce strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall.
Widespread rainfall will bring general totals of 10-20+ mm to much of Alberta through Sunday. Some areas up toward Grande Prairie and Slave Lake are in line for 50-75 mm of rain through Sunday, which is a great boost to the region amid the start of wildfire season.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Alberta.