High heat, humidity and winds made the perfect storm for the rapid spread of the Fort McMurray wildfires. But what’s made it worse is that the city hasn’t seen rain in more than three weeks.
The last time the city received any considerable rain was on April 13 when 9.8 mm fell. A total of 17.5 mm fell for the entire month, falling short of the norm of 21.4 mm.
And the worst part is there is no sign of a good, heavy rainfall to help battle the fires.
READ MORE: How the Fort McMurray fire is creating its own weather
“We are expecting the possibility of some precipitation in the area this weekend,” said Dan Kulak weather preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada in Edmonton. “But it’s going to warm up before it gets wetter.”
There is only a 40 per cent chance of rain, and the amounts aren’t expected to be enough to help battle the fierce blaze. Temperatures are also expected to soar to 27 C, almost 10 C warmer than the norm.
“There’s potential for enough to make it a little bit damp, but I don’t think there’s enough there that’s going to make a significant difference to what’s going on.”
Kulak said that there will be rain in and around the area, which will help crews fighting fires in neighbouring communities.
In the meantime, crews from around the country, including Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia are fighting relentless fires across northern Alberta.
The only solace they can take is that temperatures will once again cool down do below-normal values at the beginning of the week.
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