80+ mm and counting: Long-duration rainfall hits Alberta this week
A prolonged period of heavy rainfall is set to continue in Alberta, with some regions aleady receiving around 100 mm. This raises the potential for flooding through midweek. Additionally, parts of the province will encounter strong wind gusts on Monday
Alberta is experiencing a prolonged period of heavy rain, posing a significant risk of flooding in many areas.
Some areas in the province could receive over 100 mm of rain, which exceeds the typical monthly rainfall totals for many regions. As of early Monday afternoon, some locations had already recorded close to 100 mm.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts and alerts as conditions evolve.
The good news is that the rainfall will taper off by Tuesday.
Excessive rainfall on tap across much of Alberta
An active storm track will deliver repeated rounds of heavy rainfall across Alberta this week.
A rich reserve of moisture straight from the Gulf of Mexico will fuel the incoming precipitation, allowing for excessive totals in many locations.
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Rainfall totals so far:
Vegreville: 99 mm
Wainwright: 79 mm
Medicine Hat: 66 mm
Pincher Creek: 57 mm
Claresholm: 52 mm
Lethbridge: 50 mm
Edmonton: 40 mm
Calgary: 29 mm
Accumulations of 50-100+ mm will be a common sight as this long-duration event unfolds through the middle of the week. Localized totals of 100-150+ mm are possible.
For reference, Calgary averages 112 mm of rain in a typical June, while Edmonton and Medicine Hat normally pick up around 75 mm of precipitation through the month.
Snowpack remains greater than normal for a majority of regional mountain sites. A combination of high snowpack, heavy rain, and warm temperatures will increase the concern for avalanches.
Rising river levels have led to localized flooding. Areas such as Beachwood and the Mercer lands have been closed to the public.
Some low-elevation areas and trails in Lake Louise are also closed due to flooding from rising water levels.
Blustery wind threat
As the low stalls near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, it will drive strong, northwesterly winds across central and southern Alberta. Gusts up to 80 km/h are possible.
Wind warnings are in place for gusts up to 100 km/h, easing Monday evening.That will likely cause scattered outages and impacts to drivers.
When do conditions improve?
Rain will taper off across central and southern Alberta by Tuesday, though some showers may persist into Wednesday morning in eastern areas.
Temperatures are forecast to rise midweek, reaching into the low 20s by Wednesday and Thursday. Fog is likely to develop early Wednesday morning following the rain.
WATCH: Rain on the Prairies set to bring relief, but totals could reach 100 mm+
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Alberta