Record-breaking Edmonton summer faces another storm threat
More rain and severe storms are possible this week as Alberta's historic wet summer continues
Edmonton is on course to have the wettest summer on record, but the rain may not be over yet.
Downtown Edmonton has had almost 500 mm of rain this summer, while Calgary has received over 120 mm as of Monday. Another round of severe weather is likely to hit areas of Alberta this week.
DON'T MISS: Benefits of forest bathing and why you should try it
Weather pattern fuels Alberta storm risk
A powerful area of high pressure over the central United States has caused a significant weather divide throughout the Prairies. Its northern edge has inhibited storms in the south, keeping temperatures hot and dry while increasing thunderstorm activity farther north.
Wildfire smoke in the area adds uncertainty to the forecast. Smoke can decrease daytime heating and lessen storm energy, but storms can still intensify if enough heat and moisture accumulate.
Storms will build in the afternoon along a surface low east of Edmonton toward Cold Lake, increasing into the evening and spreading into northern Saskatchewan overnight.
An isolated severe storm is also likely near the northern and central foothills, bringing huge hail, heavy rain and high winds.
CHECK OUT: B.C. drowning deaths rise sharply as safety groups urge life-jacket use
Storms intensify Tuesday
The severe weather threat increases Tuesday as a bigger cyclone pushes through Alberta.
A robust jet stream over the northern Rockies, along with a developing trough, will fuel more widespread storms across northern and central Alberta.
Storms are forecast to start near the foothills Tuesday afternoon, strengthen by early evening, then travel to Edmonton and Slave Lake before moving northeast toward Fort McMurray overnight.
The most powerful storms could produce huge hail, torrential rainfall and strong to destructive gusts.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest across Alberta