Winds of change bring Alberta warmth, gusty conditions and storm risk
Alberta is on the verge of a welcome pattern change this week, but parts of the province will have to endure intense wind gusts and the potential for thunderstorms first
Things are finally looking up in Alberta following a month marked by cold temperatures and dreary conditions.
A ridge of high pressure is forecast to build across British Columbia and Alberta for the final weekend of the month, bringing temperatures that will climb into the low and even mid-20s for a couple days. This will be a welcome forecast for most, as April has featured below-seasonal temperatures dominating much of the West.
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But, before the warmth settles in, there will be some unsettled weather to get through this week, including a risk for isolated thunderstorms and potentially damaging winds Wednesday night.
Wind gusts of up to 90 km/h will continue along the foothills Wednesday evening, then developing over areas south of Edmonton. Wind warnings are peppered through parts of southern and central Alberta.
"Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage," Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says in the warning.
Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds.
Strong winds will move southeastward across the province through the overnight, continuing through Thursday afternoon with gusts of 60 km/h behind the passage of a low-pressure system.
In addition to the blustery winds, there is the risk of isolated thunderstorms Wednesday evening and overnight as a cold front passes over the province, with instability building ahead of it.
Fire danger on the rise amid dry conditions, warm temperatures
With the dry conditions plaguing Alberta, the fire danger has increased to high or very high across parts of southern and central Alberta.
This situation will worsen with the building area of high pressure, rising temperatures, and very little precipitation to come in the weeks ahead. Warm weather will spread into the western Prairies late-week through early next week, with high temperatures ranging from the upper teens to mid-20s across most of Alberta, including Edmonton and Calgary.
The warmest day will be next Monday with several places reaching into the upper 20s.
Thumbnail courtesy of Cathy King.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates in Alberta.