Severe storm threat builds with the heat on the western Prairies

A surge of September warmth is on tap for the first couple of days of the month across the Prairies, potentially challenging records in the region

An unseasonable surge of September heat building over the western Prairies will fuel a risk for thunderstorms on Monday.

Temperatures will easily soar over the 30-degree mark throughout portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan, including in Calgary and Medicine Hat.

Those prone to heat-related illnesses should take care during the day to limit exposure to excessive temperatures. The good news is that we’ll feel some relief from the heat at night as low temperatures dip into the mid-teens.

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Prairies temperatures Monday

Things feel more like the middle of summer than the beginning of September across the western Prairies as temperatures soar well above seasonal for the start of the month. The average high in Calgary on September 1 comes in just above 20°C.

The predicted high in Calgary on Monday will top off at an astonishing 31°C. If the temperature overachieves and manages to hit 32°C, it would register as one of the city’s top-eight hottest September days on record. The all-time warmest temperature recorded in September was 33.3°C set back on September 1, 1967.

The region’s warmest temperatures will build over far southern Alberta, where readings could soar to 33°C in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

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West Storm Risk Monday

A disturbance swinging across the Rockies on Monday will serve to trigger a risk for thunderstorms throughout the province with the heat of the day.

Some of the storms throughout the foothills and into central Alberta could turn severe with strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall the main risks. Residents should also remain alert for the potential for dry lightning, which could spark wildfires.

Prairies temperatures Tuesday

Temperatures will cool off in Alberta by Tuesday as the ridge moves east. Although we’ll still see above-seasonal highs, readings in the mid-20s in Calgary and Edmonton will feel more comfortable than the heat we saw through Monday.

We’ll see readings soar into the 30s as the ridge pushes into Saskatchewan, where Regina could hit 32°C to kick off the abbreviated workweek.

Stay tuned to The Weather Network for more forecast updates across the Prairies.

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