Airdrie holds strong amid late-May heatwave
The persistent heatwave continues across Alberta, with Airdrie expecting highs of 30°C (86°F) on Thursday under an ongoing heat warning issued by Environment Canada. The morning will start off sunny, but clouds will develop throughout the day, bringing a 60 per cent chance of rain this afternoon along with the risk of thunderstorms.
Southwest winds and thunderstorm potential
Winds from the southwest will increase to 30 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, adding to the instability in the atmosphere. While Airdrie is not under any severe thunderstorm alert, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s national thunderstorm outlook places the area under a minor risk. The only moderate thunderstorm threat in Alberta is around Edmonton, where stronger gusts and hail are possible.
A cold front is expected to push through the province on Thursday, bringing active weather across much of Alberta, particularly in central regions, in a pattern similar to what was observed on Monday, May 26.
Cooler night and brief relief on Friday
Overnight, temperatures will drop to 6°C (43°F) as showers begin to taper off and skies clear. Friday is forecast to be sunny again with a high of 25°C (77°F) and another very high UV index.
The heat will rebound Saturday, reaching 28°C (82°F), before a significant cooldown begins on Sunday. Rain is likely by the end of the weekend, with daytime highs falling to around 15°C (59°F). These cooler, unsettled conditions are expected to persist into early next week.
Extreme wildfire danger across southern and central Alberta
Wildfire risk is escalating across the province. A fire danger map released by the Government of Alberta for May 29 shows nearly all of southern and central Alberta—including the Airdrie region—under an extreme fire danger rating. The Calgary Forest Area remains classified as “high” by Alberta Wildfire, which warns that high temperatures and strong winds will keep conditions elevated for several more days.
There are currently no active wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area. The most recent, CWF-021, was extinguished on May 22 at 4.2 hectares. Calgary zone crews are now deployed to support wildfire operations in northern Alberta and Manitoba, while local teams remain on standby.
Local fire advisories and ongoing precautions
Rocky View County has issued a fire advisory for its western region due to drying conditions, suspending all burning and fireworks permits. However, the use of indoor fireplaces, approved burn barrels, propane or gas appliances, and recreational fires in compliant fire pits is still allowed. The eastern region of Rocky View County has been under a similar advisory since earlier this spring.
While the City of Airdrie is not currently under any fire ban or restriction, local fire officials acknowledged the widespread risk, stating in a social media update: “The risk of wildfire due to lack of moisture is high across the province.”
