Environment Canada has issued an orange-tiered thunderstorm watch for Calgary and southeastern Alberta, warning that a severe thunderstorm capable of producing golf ball-sized hail could arrive between Sunday afternoon and early evening. The damage from the hail, at its worst, could be comparable to the storm in 2024, which inflicted upwards of $3 billion in insurance claims while destroying parts of the roof of Calgary's International Airport.
What the Orange Watch Means
The orange-tiered watch indicates that the storm is not imminent but likely, said Todd Bate, lead meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Warnings are generally issued half an hour before the weather event. Bate explained that the watch was issued because the agency observed a number of large damaging hailstorms over central Alberta the previous day, and the weather regime is moving southwards into southern Alberta.
“The watch in effect is because yesterday we’ve observed a number of large damaging hailstorms over central Alberta, and we’ve seen that the weather regime move southwards into southern Alberta,” Bate said. “And we’re concerned particularly about hail for this region.”
Conditions Behind the Storm
Bate ascribed the conditions to a pocket of cold, turbulent air high up in the atmosphere that is rolling into the region, creating an environment that is highly unstable. Higher temperatures further destabilize the environment by pushing hot air high into the cold air. The potential for severe weather was anticipated in some areas of Red Deer the previous day, but it was more intense than expected, prompting a higher level watch for Calgary.
“We did anticipate the potential for severe weather yesterday in some areas of Red Deer. It was a little bit more intense, perhaps, than we anticipated with our watch, so that’s why we have a higher level watch for today,” Bate said.
Advice for Calgarians
Bate advised Calgarians to monitor weather alerts and heed the agency’s advice. “If you hear lightning is getting nearby, that’s when we’d ask you to go indoors,” Bate said. “In fact, we have a saying, when thunder roars, go indoors.”
The storm is expected to bring not only large hail but also heavy rain and strong winds. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and take precautions to protect property and personal safety.
