Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, is under a tornado and severe thunderstorm threat this afternoon and evening, according to forecasts from Environment Canada and The Weather Network. Storms are expected to develop along the northern foothills in the afternoon and track northeast toward the city through the evening, bringing the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.
The main threats include hail up to 6 cm in diameter and wind gusts that could top 110 km/h. The area north of Edmonton is of particular concern, where conditions are ripe for tornado formation. Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor said Alberta has already seen 23 tornadoes in 2026, a jump from 15 in all of 2025. Proctor told CBC News there have been 48 tornadoes across Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan so far this year. That is a more than 50 percent increase in Alberta alone.
The stormy pattern comes as Edmonton, just 25 km northeast of Fort Saskatchewan, endures its wettest summer on record. Since June 1, the city has collected 511 mm of rain, surpassing its annual average of 423 mm. The previous summer record was 417 mm set in 1953. Saturated ground in the region raises flood risks on top of any wind damage.
Recent storms have already caused disruptions. On Saturday, July 25, a powerful thunderstorm flooded streets, downed trees, and forced the evacuation of a concert at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. That storm left 19 areas without power, according to Epcor.
Alberta’s tornado season peaks from mid-June to early August, but 2026 is outpacing past years. Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor local weather alerts, and have emergency plans ready. The region remains scarred by the 1987 Edmonton tornado, an F4 that killed 27 people and destroyed over 300 homes, a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous.
