Rimbey, Alberta is in for a muggy and potentially stormy week as warm, humid air settles over the region. Environment Canada says residents can expect a mix of sun, clouds, and a risk of thunderstorms, especially on Tuesday afternoon.
A fog advisory was in effect early Tuesday for Ponoka County near Rimbey, Bluffton, and Hoadley, warning of near-zero visibility. The fog was expected to lift by mid-morning, but drivers were urged to be careful as visibility could drop suddenly in some areas.
For the rest of Tuesday, the forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of showers late in the day with a risk of a thunderstorm. This comes just weeks after a severe storm on July 9 triggered a tornado warning for the area before being downgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning, with the potential for large hail and damaging winds.
The humidity will be hard to miss, with readings near 99 percent at the Leedale station. Combined with a UV index of 7, which is considered high, anyone spending time outside should use sun protection and be mindful of heat-related risks.
Temperatures will swing through the week, starting in the mid-20s and climbing to a high of 31°C on Saturday, August 1. Sunday will bring a sharp cool-down with cloudy skies, a 60 percent chance of showers, and a high of just 17°C. Heat warnings are already in effect for east-central Alberta, where daytime highs of 30°C or more are expected for several days in a row.
Residents are reminded to stay aware of changing skies, especially on Tuesday afternoon, and to check the latest alerts from Environment Canada.
