More than 10 new record highs set in Alberta Monday; warmer weather on the way

More melting as temperatures go up in Alberta. Jodi Hughes has a look at the five-day forecast from the Sky Watch Weather Centre.

A dominant ridge of high pressure situated over Alberta and B.C. is pushing temperatures well above seasonal for many communities.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), 11 locations in north-central Alberta set new record highs on Monday, including the Edmonton area (10.3 C – old record of 9.4 C set in 1891), Cold Lake area (8.2 C – old record of 5.4 C set in1996), Athabasca area (9.0 C – old record of 8.9 C set in 1922) and Mildred Lake area (6.3 C – old record of 2.7 C set in 2021).

Calgary’s unofficial high on Monday was 11.9 C, compared to an average high of -3 C this time of year. The record high in Calgary on January 12 is 13 C set in 1986.

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An intense low-pressure system digging in over central Canada will help to anchor that high and allow more warmer air to funnel into the west, eventually pushing the northern edge of that ridge toward the territories.

Tuesday’s weather story will include moderate westerly winds for southern Alberta, but nowhere near as intense as Monday where some locations (including Pincher Creek and Waterton) recorded peak wind speeds over 100 km/h.

The peak wind speeds in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat were around 90 km/h Monday, and in between 60 to nearly 80 km/h in Calgary.

Calgary’s high on Tuesday will reach at least 10 C, and up to 15 C on Wednesday.

The record high for Calgary for January 13 is 12.3 C (1986), and 11.2 C for January 14 (2004). Records for Calgary go back to 1882.

Rapid melting over the past few days has left many surfaces across the region slushy and/or wet, with some water and debris pooling near clogged storm drains.

By Thursday, there will be some moderation in temperatures for portions of southern Alberta including a high of 4 C in Calgary, which is still well-above seasonal.

Warmer overnight values will continue to enhance melting, with low temperatures that are expected to sit closer to the average high compared to the average low of -15 C.