Vermilion, Alberta, is in for a warm and humid week, with temperatures climbing into the low 30s, but Tuesday brings a risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds. Environment Canada issued a fog advisory early Tuesday morning as near-zero visibility blanketed the area. The fog is expected to lift by late morning, giving way to a mainly sunny afternoon.
The high on Tuesday will reach 26°C, feeling more like 30 with the humidity. There is a 30 per cent chance of showers late this evening and after midnight, along with a risk of thunderstorms this evening and after midnight. Southeast winds will pick up through the morning, gusting to 50 km/h before shifting to northwest near midnight. Overnight, the temperature drops to a low of 13°C.
Residents should take sun safety seriously, as the UV index is forecast to hit 7, or high, on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Environment Canada recommends seeking shade during midday hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
The rest of the week looks mostly sunny and pleasant for outdoor activities. Wednesday will reach 24°C with a humidex of 25 and a continued high UV index. Thursday will reach 25°C under sunny skies, while Friday warms up to 28°C, and Saturday is expected to be the hottest day with a high of 31°C.
July is historically Alberta’s most active month for severe weather, and this summer has already been an active one. As of July 21, 26 tornadoes have been recorded in the province this year, an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to previous years, according to the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University. The County of Vermilion River experienced a tornado warning in early July when a tornado passed through the Tulliby Lake area on July 11, prompting an Alberta Emergency Alert. No injuries were reported.
Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, notes that July tends to be the peak month for severe summer weather. “Risk of severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, large hail, and even tornadoes tends to be at its highest during this month,” Proctor said. While Tuesday’s storm risk is currently rated as low, residents are reminded to stay weather-aware, especially as conditions can change quickly.
