Achi news desk-
After a week focused on erratic weather conditions, Calgary will experience a reset and return to seasonal conditions over the weekend.
The large low pressure system that brought cold and wet conditions to Alberta on Tuesday and Wednesday remains the main driver of our current weather – despite the fact that this low is centered over central Canada. The outer edges of the system extend as far west as the Rockies, and the counterclockwise circulation around the low continues to pick up cooler air from the north and drive it south into the foothills .
As a result, the daytime high in Calgary on Friday is forecast to be nine degrees below season and winds will be mainly from the north.
The large low pressure system that brought cold and wet conditions to Alberta on Tuesday and Wednesday remains the main driver of our current weather – despite the fact that this low is centered over central Canada.
By early next week the weather pattern is expected to shift and warmer air should flow over the southern Rockies, dumping moisture on the NC side (in accordance with typical adiabatic processes) and allowing warm, dry air to settle over southern Alberta.
In the transition period on Sunday there is a chance of light and scattered rain across the region, however precipitation totals are likely to remain low.
By early next week the weather pattern is expected to shift and warmer air should flow over the southern Rockies.
The moisture from last week offered some relief in offsetting short-term drought conditions, but according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) most of Alberta is still far too dry.
In their April 5, 2024 report, the agency explains that most of central and southern Alberta is under long-term drought conditions, with some areas receiving less than 50 percent of expected moisture from late September 2023 until at the end of September. March 2024.
Some communities east of Highway 2/QEII saw slight improvements in the extent of their driest areas, however on the most current drought monitoring map (up to March 31, 2024) “drought intensity” classifications in this area vary of D2 (one in 10). one year event) to D4, or the worst rating, which is a one in 50 year event.
In their April 5, 2024 report, the agency explains that most of central and southern Alberta is under long-term drought conditions, with some areas receiving less than 50 percent of expected moisture from late September 2023 until at the end of September. March 2024.
Historically, May, June, July have been the wettest months around the Calgary area, bringing in more than half of the annual moisture, however moisture stores (snowpack, soil moisture) are essential to offset water shortages.
According to the AAFC “Concern about water supplies continues as we move into the growing season with many reservoirs reporting significantly lower than normal levels this winter.”
Drought conditions in Northern Alberta decreased at an even faster rate, contributing to concerns about the upcoming wildfire season.
In the April 18, 2024 wildfire update, Alberta Wildfire Information Manager Christie Tucker noted that Alberta begins the 2024 wildfire season with 64 wildfires still burning from last year, so “firefighters are going in this spring with a heavier fire load than usual.”
Tucker said drought conditions increase the risk of wildfires as dry trees and grasses can burn – “especially in the strong winds [as of late].”
