Strong thunderstorms are expected today, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, across parts of Alberta, just in time for Canada Day celebrations, with the potential for hailstones as large as a Timbit or even larger.
Thunderstorms are forecast to begin developing as early as early afternoon, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. local time, along the Foothills, then track northeastward throughout the afternoon and evening. Some storms may take a more eastward path, influenced by a ridge of high pressure that has been drawing hot air into southern and central Alberta over the past days.
Potential for isolated cells with large hail and strong gusts
Some of these strong storms may evolve into multicellular clusters, which could cover a broad area. However, isolated supercells are also likely, bringing more intense and localized impacts.
The main hazard from today’s storms is the risk of large hail, comparable in size to a Timbit (around 3–4 centimetres in diameter), along with strong wind gusts. With daytime highs reaching around 30 °C (86 °F) in some areas, conditions will be favourable for severe thunderstorm development.
Storms expected to weaken later in the evening
Instability will continue into the late evening hours, but most thunderstorms are expected to weaken gradually. The majority of cells should dissipate by midnight, allowing calmer weather to return to the region.
