Josh Classen's forecast: Smoke moves in as heat wave rolls on
A heat warning remains in effect for Edmonton and almost all of Alberta. Temperatures will soar into the low to mid 30s across most of the province, again.
We'll get back to that in a moment...but first, let's talk smoke.
The ECCC smoke modelling continues to point toward wildfire smoke from both northern Alberta (especially the NE) and B.C. spreading across much of Alberta in the coming days.
Air quality readings in the Edmonton area are in the "moderate risk" range of the Air Quality Health Index this morning and we have hazy skies hanging over the city.
We're expecting the see AQHI readings of 4-6 (moderate) for the rest of today and probably through the weekend.
Given the number of fires burning in Alberta and B.C., it seemed like it was just a matter of time before smoke finally made an appearance. AND...now it's here.
Intensity of the smoky/hazy conditions will be variable in the coming days.
How that smoke will impact the forecast highs for the next few days remains to be seen. Areas in NE Alberta that have been dealing with wildfire smoke for a while are still getting into the 30s the past few days.
We'll probably end up a degree or two "cooler" than we would've been had there been no haze.
But, that still leaves us with afternoon highs in the 30s.
IN FACT...this will be Edmonton's fourth consecutive days above 30 C and likely the third consecutive day with a record-setting afternoon high.
The July 19 record high is 33.3 C in 1979. We're expecting to hit 34 or 35 C later today.
Tuesday, July 17 hit 34.0 - that edged out the previous record of 33.9 from 1920.
Wednesday, July 18 hit 35.3 - that beat the previous record of 34.4 from 1941.
There's a very good chance we'll set more daily record highs before the end of the heat wave.
In fact, it's possible we could see SEVEN CONSECUTIVE record-setting days. I think one or two of the following days will probably come up just short of a record.
But...seven straight records is possible...and that's almost unbelievable.
Friday, July 19
Forecast: 34
Record: 33.3 - 1979
Saturday, July 20
Forecast: 34
Record: 33.9 - 1936
Sunday, July 21
Forecast: 35
Record: 32.8 - 1945
Monday, July 22
Forecast: 36
Record: 34.5 - 2006
Tuesday, July 23
Forecast: 36
Record: 33.4 - 2006
Temperatures will likely drop out of the 30s Wednesday or Thursday of next week.
That means we're ALSO in a potentially record-setting stretch of days above 30 C.
Here are the longest stretches of consecutive days above 30.0 degrees in Edmonton:
- 2021 - 7 days
- 1961 - 6 days
- 1941 - 5 days
*10 other years have had 4-day stretches
We're on pace for a record-setting 8 straight days of 30+ heat (possibly 9).
Thunderstorm Risk:
The best chance for thunderstorms is in the Peace Country and down through the foothills this afternoon/evening. Some of those storms will track east through the evening. But, it's unlikely that they'll get to Edmonton.
NE Alberta has the best chance for late-day storms on Saturday. Again, most (probably all) of those will miss the Edmonton region.
That said - it's not a "zero chance" for the city and surrounding area. So...I'm putting a slight risk into the forecast.
Here's the forecast for Edmonton and area:
Today - Sunny & hazy.
RECORD: 33.3 - 1979
High: 34 **humidex near 37 this afternoon
Tonight - A few clouds & a slight risk of a thunderstorm in the evening. Clearing overnight (but still hazy)
9pm: 29
Saturday - Sunny & hazy. Slight risk of an evening thunderstorm.
RECORD: 33.9 - 1936
Morning Low: 21
Afternoon High: 34
Sunday - Sunny & hazy.
RECORD: 32.8 - 1945
Morning Low: 22
Afternoon High: 35
Monday - Mainly sunny. (smoke uncertain)
RECORD: 34.5 - 2006
Morning Low: 22
Afternoon High: 36
Tuesday - Mainly sunny. (smoke uncertain)
RECORD: 33.4 - 2006
Morning Low: 23
Afternoon High: 35
Wednesday - Partly cloudy. 30% chance of a late-day thunderstorm.
Morning Low: 20
Afternoon High: 29
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7023455.1725377678!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canada issues new travel advice amid spread of bug-transmitted disease
Canada is advising travellers to be aware of reported viral Oropouche outbreaks in the Americas, where overall cases are higher than expected and some countries have recorded their first-ever infections.
Costco's first membership price hike in 7 years just went into effect
Costco customers are now paying more for their annual memberships for the first time since 2017.
Back-to-school season: How lunches may become more affordable
Families facing the financial challenge of making school lunches will find some relief this fall. Here are the latest grocery price trends, according to a new analysis.
'Like being in prison': Via Rail passenger says people stranded without food, water
A tourist visiting Canada is questioning the safety of Via Rail after he says his phone was snatched from him by an employee when he was documenting a train delay that left passengers stranded as they ran out of food, water and working toilets.
How the John Tavares tax case could affect professional athletes in Canada and the U.S.
John Tavares has taken more than 20,000 faceoffs during his 15-year NHL career, but it's one with the Canada Revenue Agency that may be the most consequential. The Toronto Maple Leafs forward is taking the CRA to court over a dispute as to how a signing bonus from 2018 should be taxed. The ruling could have a chilling effect on how Canadian NHL franchises negotiate with unrestricted free agents.
Man, 50 others go on trial in France for rape of drugged wife
A 71-year-old man is on trial in France accused of drugging his wife and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her in their home over nearly a decade in a case that has shocked the country.
Just returned from the Olympics, a Ugandan athlete is set on fire by her boyfriend
A Ugandan athlete living in Kenya was set ablaze by her boyfriend and is currently receiving treatment for 75 per cent burns, police said.
Draisaitl signs 8-year contract extension with Edmonton Oilers
Leon Draisaitl is 'locked in,' the Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday morning, revealing the first details of a contract extension with the German centre.
The US$10-million cocktail everyone is drinking at the U.S. Open
At the U.S. Open currently underway in New York, a single cocktail will surpass US$10 million in sales before the tennis grand slam event ends Sept. 8.