If you’re under the impression weather in the Edmonton area this summer has been more active than most, you’re not alone – and weather experts agree, and point to our southern neighbours as its source.
“We have notoriously bad memories when it comes to weather,” CTV Edmonton meteorologist Josh Classen said. “So, a lot of times when we think it has been unusually stormy it actually hasn’t been.
“This year has, it has been abnormally stormy.”
The signs of intense storm activity have been clear throughout the province, with countless trees downed by high winds, heavy rain and hail, fires caused by lightning, and a number of funnel clouds.
“Almost every single day, we’ve had thunderstorms somewhere in the province,” Classen said.
Environment Canada said Albertans normally see about 14 wind events per year – with gusts higher than 90 kilometres an hour. So far this year, there have already been 24.
As for hail, on average there are 49 hail events, so far this year 90 have been recorded.
Officials with Environment Canada said sky-high temperatures south of the border are to blame for the tumultuous weather – on Wednesday, officials in the United States announced July was the hottest month ever in that country.
The hot conditions in the US have had an effect on weather patterns throughout Canada.
“This hot dryness is originating in the US, and it is moving upwards,” Dave Phillips with Environment Canada said. “[It’s] American air, not Canadian air.”
Despite recent storms, we are about to get a break. According to officials, conditions are expected to settle down over the next week.
With files from Sonia Sunger
