CALGARY — Southern Albertans can expect a cool, gusty, and unsettled Wednesday, marking the lowest temperatures of the week before a significant warming trend takes over the region.
Weather conditions on Wednesday will closely mirror Tuesday’s patterns, featuring alternating periods of sun and cloud alongside scattered showers and potential thunderstorms. Daytime highs across southern Alberta are projected to hover in the low double-digits—well below Calgary’s seasonal average of 17°C.
A sharp increase in north and northwest wind speeds will add to the chill. Calgary is bracing for sustained wind speeds between 30 km/h and 50 km/h, with significantly stronger gusts anticipated throughout the day.
The turbulent weather is being driven by a “lee-side low”—a low-pressure system that has formed on the eastern, leeward slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Unlike stationary systems that trap heavy rainfall in localized pockets along the foothills, an incoming ridge of high pressure is actively pushing this system eastward. As a result, precipitation is expected to be more widespread as it follows the low’s rapid path.
Rainfall distribution will vary across the region. Areas south of Calgary and north of Highway 3 are forecast to accumulate over 10 millimeters of rain. In contrast, Calgary itself is tracking a much lighter one to two millimeters, which will be confined primarily to communities that see direct showers.
By Wednesday afternoon and evening, mild thunderstorms are expected to develop across southern and eastern Alberta. Environment Canada patterns indicate these storms could bring small-sized hail and weak funnel clouds, particularly in regions north and east of Red Deer.
Relief from the unseasonal cold is on the immediate horizon. Beginning Thursday, the incoming ridge of high pressure will bring atmospheric stability and pump warmer air into the province for the weekend.
Calgary’s daytime highs are forecast to jump into the low to mid-20s from Friday through next Tuesday. Overnight conditions will also remain exceptionally mild, with lows ranging from 8°C to 11°C—significantly higher than the city’s typical seasonal low of 4°C.
