A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Bonnyville and parts of the surrounding M.D. of Bonnyville, including Ardmore and the Kehewin Reserve. Environment Canada issued the alert at 2:22 p.m. Monday, warning that conditions are ripe for storms packing heavy rain, strong wind gusts and large hail.
The watch comes alongside a separate air quality warning, triggered by widespread wildfire smoke drifting across the region. Issued at 1:17 p.m. Monday, it cautions that periods of poor air quality could last until mid-week, affecting anyone spending time outdoors.
As of 2 p.m. at the Dupre weather station, it was 26 C with a dewpoint of 12.9 C and humidity at 45 per cent. The daytime high Monday is forecast to hit 27 C, with a 30-per-cent chance of showers and the risk of severe thunderstorms continuing into the evening.
Tuesday will bring some relief, with mainly sunny skies and a high of 23 C, though there’s a risk of an afternoon thunderstorm. Then conditions cool further: Wednesday’s high drops to 20 C with a 40-per-cent chance of showers, and Thursday will be wet and even cooler at 19 C. The extended outlook shows a 60-per-cent chance of showers Friday with a high of 22 C and Saturday with a high of 23 C before a mix of sun and cloud returns Sunday with a high of 25 C.
Environment Canada says the thunderstorm watch stretches across much of central and eastern Alberta, touching communities from Lac La Biche and St. Paul south to Red Deer and Stettler. The agency reminds residents that lightning kills about 10 Canadians each year, more than hail, rain, flooding, wind, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Hailstones, which can fall at speeds over 100 km/h, also pose a serious threat to property and crops.
Anyone with outdoor plans this week should stay alert to changing skies, and during sunny breaks remember that the UV index will be moderate to high, reaching 6 on Tuesday.
