Alberta: Thunderstorm Forecast for Saturday, July 1, 2023
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On Saturday afternoon and evening, there is a significant severe risk expected in parts of Central Alberta. Isolated storms are likely to develop, particularly around Rocky Mountain House and to the east, in an environment conducive for rapid intensification.
The area of major concern extends from Edmonton to just north of Calgary, where storms have the potential to produce exceptionally large hail, reaching the size of baseballs or even softballs. Alongside the hail risk, damaging wind gusts exceeding 115 km/h and the possibility of several tornadoes are also notable concerns.
The severe threat will persist into the evening, stretching all the way to the Saskatchewan border. However, the primary focus for the hail and tornado risk will be during the earlier stages of the storms, transitioning more into a wind threat as time progresses.
TORNADO RISK
Saturday's tornado threat is expected to be the strongest so far this year in Canada, with the environment indicating the potential for several tornadoes. Areas encompassing Rocky Mountain House, Drayton Valley, Edmonton, Camrose, and Red Deer are particularly at risk.
There may also be a chance of one or two tornadoes along the Saskatchewan border and surrounding regions within the several tornadoes threat zone, including Calgary and Lloydminster.
