City officials in Calgary have confirmed that river levels are expected to rise due to impending rainfall over the weekend, but no flooding is anticipated in the coming days. The assurance comes as Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning Saturday afternoon, forecasting between 50 and 100 millimetres of rain from Sunday morning through Monday night.
Rainfall Timeline and Thunderstorm Potential
Periods of rain are expected to begin in the late morning or early afternoon on Sunday, with heavier rainfall intensifying through the evening and overnight, according to Environment Canada operational meteorologist Eric Van Lochem. Additionally, weak bands of thunderstorms are forecast to move across Calgary on Sunday evening, Van Lochem added.
Calgary has experienced lower-than-average rainfall so far this month, with approximately 65 millimetres recorded. However, the forecasted precipitation could push the monthly total close to the June average of 112.5 millimetres. “That’s somewhat conjecture at this time, but certainly, if you go by the current forecast, we’ll get pretty close to that,” Van Lochem said.
Mayor's Assessment and Preparations
In a post shared to Reddit, Mayor Jeromy Farkas stated that river levels are currently within their normal ranges but are expected to increase modestly in the coming days. “The scale of this event is currently expected to be similar in size to the event in early June, potentially resulting in wet low-lying areas near the river, some pathway closures at underpasses near the river, and possibly a boating advisory,” the post said.
As of now, no advisories or closures are in effect, but the city is actively monitoring conditions. Crews are prepared to respond if conditions worsen, though emergency responses are not expected to be required, Farkas stated.
Broader Context: Central Alberta Under Orange Warning
Further north, parts of central Alberta are under an orange rainfall warning, with many communities bracing for potential flooding. Edmonton has already recorded 242.5 millimetres this month, making it the city’s rainiest June ever and the second-rainiest month overall. The all-time monthly record stands at 282 millimetres, and Van Lochem noted there is potential for that record to be broken before the month ends, with an additional 40 to 70 millimetres anticipated through the weekend.
