Severe thunderstorms expected this afternoon across southern Alberta
OTTAWA, Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. EDT – Canada Day celebrations across southern and central Alberta may come with an extra burst of nature’s energy, as severe thunderstorms are forecast to develop early this afternoon, particularly along the Foothills region. These storms are projected to begin forming between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. MDT, gradually pushing northeastward through the afternoon and evening.
Although most storms will track northeast, interactions with a heat-drawing ridge—currently intensifying temperatures across Southern Alberta—could redirect some cells more directly eastward. The atmospheric instability over the province today is significant, and some of the storm systems are likely to evolve into multicellular clusters, covering a broader area.
Embedded within this larger storm activity, isolated supercells are also likely to form, presenting a heightened risk of large hail. Some hailstones may reach the size of Timbits, or even larger, posing a risk to property and vegetation. In addition to the hail, strong wind gusts may accompany the more intense storm cells as they pass through the region.
Conditions are expected to stabilize later tonight, with most thunderstorm activity diminishing by midnight.
