Fears of new B.C., Alberta wildfires with multiple days of storm risk
Western Canada's wildfire situation could go from bad to worse this week with a thunderstorm setup through Wednesday, bringing the potential for new blazes with the ongoing risk of lightning strikes
A broad trough has brought the return of a multi-day thunderstorm threat across much of Western Canada. While the storms should stay below severe limits, there is the chance of funnel clouds Tuesday and Wednesday.
The main concern for monitoring these thunderstorms is the risk of new wildfire ignition across Alberta. It's a dire circumstance the province is facing, with tens of thousands forced to flee as out-of-control wildfires spread.
MUST SEE: Alberta offers emergency payments to residents displaced by wildfires
The slow-moving nature of the thunderstorm activity, and steeper topography in British Columbia, also poses a risk of flooding. The province continues to deal with the aftermath of the flooding and landslides in the Interior.
Tuesday
Areas: Southern Interior of British Columbia, much of Alberta and western and southern Saskatchewan
Timing: Afternoon and evening
Weather: A series of troughs will continue to pinwheel into Western Canada through Tuesday, keeping the widespread, non-severe thunderstorm threat present. Most of the thunderstorms will remain non-severe in nature, however, forecasters will keep an eye on eastern and southeastern Alberta for the possibility of some stronger storm dynamics. The forecast will continue to be refined and updated as needed
Threats: Small hail, strong wind gusts and lightning that could ignite new wildfires. We also can’t rule out the risk of funnel clouds
RELATED: Flooding woes continue to put B.C. communities in harm's way
Wednesday
Areas: Southern Interior of British Columbia, much of Alberta, southern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba
Timing: Afternoon and evening
Weather: A series of troughs will continue to pinwheel into Western Canada on Wednesday, keeping the widespread, non-severe thunderstorm threat present. Most of the thunderstorms will remain non-severe in nature, however, forecasters will keep an eye on eastern and southeastern Alberta for the possibility of some stronger storm dynamics. The forecast will continue to be refined and updated as needed
Threats: Small hail, strong wind gusts and lightning that could ignite new wildfires. We also can’t rule out the risk of funnel clouds
Prepare
Stay alert and monitor the forecast for updates. Have a plan and a place to head indoors if the weather changes.
Watches mean conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms. Warnings mean they are imminent or are occurring in your area.
In communities with elevated or high wildfire danger ratings, or could be threatened by a blaze in the near future, residents should take time now to review emergency preparedness and evacuation plans in the event of a nearby fire. Individuals and families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours in case of evacuation due to wildfires.
Analysis
A broad upper-level trough is currently rotating over Western Canada, and with the aid of daytime heating, is destabilizing the atmosphere and allowing for unorganized, scattered thunderstorm activity. Due to weak steering flow and light winds aloft, these storms will move slowly, with limited organization, and pose little risk of strengthening to severe criteria.
The slow-moving nature of the thunderstorm activity and steeper topography in British Columbia pose a risk of flooding.
For Alberta, unfortunately, there will be minimal rain in some of the areas that need it the most such as northwester sections. A warm and dry pattern is expected to return late next week and dominate during the second half of May, so the wildfire danger will likely be a major concern once again.
Colder-than-seasonal temperatures with scattered showers will continue through the middle of this week, then trending warmer and drier by weekend. A warmer and drier pattern is expected for the mid- and late-May.
WATCH: Family 'shell-shocked' after losing home to wildfires
Thumbnail courtesy of Jeff Adams, taken in Red Deer, Alta.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions throughout the region.
