Severe storms, high winds threaten Alberta’s long weekend plans

The threat for severe weather returns to Alberta on Saturday after a brief reprieve to end the week.

A system pushing through the region will kick off clusters of thunderstorms that could exceed severe limits, especially around Edmonton and Fort McMurray.

Stay alert for rapidly changing conditions in your area, and be sure to keep up with the latest watches and warnings as you go about your day.

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Severe storms possible in Alberta on Saturday

A low-pressure system developing over central Alberta on Saturday will spark the development of scattered thunderstorms through the afternoon and into the evening hours.

These storms will bubble up to the west of the low and move northeast through the day, a motion driven by the heat dome sitting stateside.

The main hazards will be large hail and heavy rainfall, with the threat transitioning over to damaging wind gusts as the thunderstorms organize into lines.

Localized flooding is also possible beneath some of the heavier storms, especially around Edmonton where we've already seen historic rains this summer.

Storm activity will continue into the overnight along the cold front north of Fort McMurray, eventually pushing east into Saskatchewan.

High winds expected in southern Alberta on Saturday

Farther south, an inversion in the atmosphere will act as a cap that subdues thunderstorm development throughout much of southern Alberta.

However, a strong air pressure gradient between a trough over B.C. and the stateside heat dome will generate strong downsloping winds throughout much of the region.

Wind gusts up to 60-70 km/h are expected along the foothills and across southern Alberta. A secondary trough arriving Sunday will see winds shift around from the northwest, featuring even stronger gusts to 80-90 km/h through Sunday afternoon and into the evening.

Additionally, the combination of relatively dry conditions, warm temperatures, and gusty winds will lead to an increased fire danger throughout southern Alberta this weekend.

Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Alberta.