Daytime highs in Calgary will continue to rise over the next few days – peaking at 32 C on Saturday. A ridge of high pressure situated over the southern border of the western Prairies is funnelling heat into the region, but along the northern edge there is potential for some heightened instability. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to start to form along the foothills Thursday afternoon before crossing over Highway 2 and the QEII in the late afternoon and early evening. The combination of this prolonged period of heat along with additional surface moisture will fuel these developing storms. A strong westerly flow and a moderate southeasterly wind at the surface may enhance this even further. The areas most at risk for rapid intensification would be near Sundre, with the greatest threats including large-sized hail, intense rain, and possible rotation. Friday will be similar in the potential for moderate to severe thunderstorms, however, more of the province is at risk – extending from north of Edmonton to the southern Alberta border and east toward Saskatchewan. By Saturday, there will be more stability and even warmer temperatures. Conditions should be mostly clear in Calgary until early Monday with very little wind.
