***NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE***

There is a widespread threat of active weather across much of Alberta and Saskatchewan on Wednesday. This is a result of a cold front that will sweep through the region, breaking the heat and likely triggering some strong severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. However, It’s looking like a ‘Boom or Bust’ sort of day in which thunderstorms could remain capped across most of the region, but if storms do develop, they could become quite strong.

The greatest threat for severe weather will be in parts of Northern Alberta, stretching northeastward from Edson through Whitecourt and beyond the Slave Lake area, highlighted in orange on our forecast map. The environment in this area will be able to support supercell thunderstorms that could develop in the Northern Foothills beginning early this afternoon, around 12-2pm.

The storms in this area could be capable of producing very large hail, as big as standard billiards balls, and damaging wind gusts in excess of 100km/h. They are expected to travel northeastward across Alberta throughout the day and into Saskatchewan overnight. These will be fast moving storms so localized flooding from heavy rain is not a concern, but it is possible that we could see a tornado or two form in this region.

Additional development of slightly weaker, but still severe, thunderstorms could extend southward towards Calgary and through Southern Alberta beginning in the early afternoon. The likelihood storms initiating, however, decreases the further south you go. If storms do end up forming through this area, they are expected to quickly track east-northeastward across Alberta and into Saskatchewan by the late afternoon.

There is also the chance that the storms could skip over Southern Alberta completely, as the cold front pushes through, and instead develop in Southwestern Saskatchewan in the late afternoon and early evening. If these storms end up developing in either province, they are expected to pose more of a wind risk than a large hail risk. Given the environment that the storms could form in, damaging wind gusts up to 120km/h are possible and a lack of moisture should limit hail to the size of quarters and smaller.

***Modelled temperature anomaly for wednesday shows Temperatures 5-10°C above seasonal, courtesy of weatherbell.***

On top of the severe thunderstorm threat, today will also be the warmest day of the minor heat wave in Central and Southern Alberta. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid 30s across most of Southern Alberta, which is 5-10°C above the seasonal average for this time of year.

It’s best to limit your time outside in this heat, especially since heat exhaustion can set in fairly quickly if you’re not careful.

If you do spend a great deal of time outdoors, it is crucial to stay hydrated by sipping on water throughout the day and aiming to drink at least one cup of water every 15 minutes, continuing to do so even after you’ve gone inside. We know that there is often nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day, but remember that alcohol is actually dehydrating so make sure to drink plenty of water as well if you indulge in your adult beverage of choice.

Your body loses electrolytes from sweating, so sports drinks that are high in electrolytes can help replenish what has been lost. Salty snacks are also helpful when it comes to regaining lost electrolytes.

Other tips for staying cool include wearing lightweight, light-coloured clothing and limiting direct sun exposure, if possible. Many municipalities offer public spaces with air conditioning where residents can go to cool off, especially those without central air in their homes/apartments.

This is surely not the last we’ll see of these temperatures this summer so keep these tips in mind and have a plan in place if you must spend long periods of time outdoors in the heat.