Calgary weather: Damaging wind and up to 30 mm of rain possible in east-central Alberta

Storms expected in east-central Alberta. Jodi Hughes has a look at the five-day forecast from the Sky Watch Weather Centre.

Widespread special weather statements have been issued in east-central and southeastern Alberta as well as all of central and southern Saskatchewan.

An incoming Pacific low-pressure system will crash into the warmer air mass currently situated across the Prairies, kicking off a period of unsettled weather that will continue into the long weekend.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), “Gusts of 80 to 100 km/h are expected through parts of central and eastern Alberta (on Wednesday).”

Calgary is just west of the warned area but will still feel some of the impacts of his intense low and could potentially be included in those advisories if the system does not stick to its current forecast path.

Ahead of that low there will be moderate wind in Calgary on Wednesday with sustained speeds of 20-40 km/h, and 40-60 km/h in the overnight hours.

In their advisory ECCC explained, “Damage to roofs, fences, branches, or soft shelters is likely. Prepare for some disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities. Driving conditions will likely be very difficult. High-sided vehicles could be overturned by the wind. Secure loose objects. If outside, protect yourself from flying or falling debris.”

There will be scattered showers and thunderstorms across the B.C. interior and central and southern Alberta throughout the day Wednesday, including in Calgary.

The national weather agency noted, “In addition to the severe winds, the low will bring some rainfall through the day on Thursday. Upwards of 30 mm is possible by Friday morning.”

These storm cells will become more organized at the end of the day Wednesday.

While the greatest risks are associated with wind and rainfall amounts, rapid intensification is possible and moderate to severe thunderstorms may develop southeast of Calgary.

Cold air will flow in behind that low, causing both the daytime highs and lows to steadily decline.

Mixed precipitation is likely in higher elevation areas in the Rockies and the B.C. Interior on Wednesday with mixed precipitation possible in Calgary on Saturday.

Saturday will be the worst weather day of the weekend with a high of 6 C in Calgary, a low of 2 C, and between 10 to 15 millimetres of rain or a rain/snow mix.

The normal high in Calgary this time of year is 16 C with a low of 3 C.

Calgary will return to seasonal values at the end of next week.