Calgary and several communities in Rocky View County were under severe thunderstorm warnings Monday afternoon as strong winds, heavy rain and hail possibly the size of toonies could fall across the region.
Warnings from Environment Canada said loonie-sized hail had already been reported as of 4:20 p.m. and bigger hail could come. The warning for Calgary was lifted by 5:45 p.m.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,” Environment Canada said. “Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.”
Three men were forced to leave their home in northeast Calgary after lightning struck a power pole, officials said.
Enmax crews were called to 6617 McKnight Blvd just before 6 p.m., however, power was still on as of 5:55 p.m.
The thunderstorms came as much of Alberta was under a heat warning after days of hot temperatures.
However, the heat warning ended early Tuesday morning for much of the province, including Edmonton and Calgary. The temperature was expected to reach 24 C to 25 C for both cities on Tuesday.
The warning remained in place for some southern Alberta communities, including Brooks, Drumheller and Medicine Hat.
Watch below: Global News weather specialist Mike Sobel delivers the weather forecast for Alberta for Tuesday, July 31.
“Today a low-pressure system will begin to move across Alberta, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures for Tuesday,” Environment Canada said on Monday morning. “Over southeastern parts of Alberta, hot temperatures are currently forecast to return Wednesday and Thursday.”
For a complete list of areas under the heat warning, click here.
Calgarians woke up to Sunday morning temperatures that reached a balmy 24 C by 11 a.m. By 2 p.m. in Edmonton, it was 30 C. By noon, the mercury in all major Alberta centres hit the high teens and moved into the 20s.
Over the weekend, several areas in northern Alberta were already under a heat warning.
Early Sunday morning, Edmonton and areas west of the city were added to the list.
Calgary, Red Deer and surrounding areas were issued the heat warning at around 11 a.m. Sunday.
Temperatures in Alberta as of noon on Sunday, July 29, 2018.
Heat and thunderstorms
Along with the heat warnings, some northern regions in Alberta were also issued severe thunderstorm watches on Sunday.
The thunderstorm watches were dropped Monday morning but reinstated early in the afternoon for some regions.
Watch below: Heat warnings were issued across the province on Sunday and officials want people to take the alerts seriously. Michael King reports.
Air quality
In some parts of Alberta, heat won’t be the only issue. Hazy conditions will persist over several areas and the Air Quality Health Index will increase to moderate levels.
Haze is common when pollution and dust are stagnant in the atmosphere.
Most people won’t be affected, but those with breathing problems should reduce strenuous outdoor activities, as recommended by Environment Canada.
Several parts of Alberta had an air quality level of 4 – or moderate – on Sunday and Monday, including Edmonton and Calgary.
For a complete list of air quality levels in various parts of the province, click here.
Edmonton and Calgary both reached around 30 C on Monday.
The average high for Edmonton for this time of the year is 23 C, while Calgary’s average high is 24 C.
— With files from Emily Mertz