Severe thunderstorm watch issued; Alberta set to be slammed by 100 km/h winds and hail tonight

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for several areas of central Alberta on May 26, 2025, as a strong line of thunderstorms is expected to develop in the late afternoon. A strong cold front moving across the province is expected to trigger severe thunderstorms starting Monday late afternoon, particularly between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM MDT.

The storm system is forecasted to affect areas such as Edmonton and Calgary northward to Fort McMurray, including communities such as Cochrane, Airdrie, and Rocky View.

These thunderstorms may bring wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h, heavy rainfall, and hail potentially the size of loonies. While the likelihood of tornadoes is currently low, the weather system's dynamic nature means that conditions could change rapidly.


Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Vulcan County, Siksika Nation, and areas of Foothills County, including High River and Okotoks. Residents in these areas should be prepared for sudden weather changes and stay informed through official channels.

This anticipated storm follows a series of severe weather events in Alberta. Notably, on May 18, 2025, thunderstorms near Gull Lake brought gusty winds and small hail. Earlier in the year, on April 2, a tornado outbreak in central Alberta produced nine tornadoes, including an EF3 that impacted Glory Hills and Villeneuve.

Given Alberta's weather history, its largest city, Calgary's weather is going to be rough again; residents are advised to stay informed and prepared. It's recommended to secure outdoor items, stay indoors during the storm, and monitor updates from Environment Canada.

As Canadian weather is going to take a hit, to enhance preparedness, consider equipping your household with reliable emergency tools. A crank emergency radio can keep you informed during power outages, while a digital weather station helps monitor real-time conditions. Additionally, a comprehensive survival kit ensures you have essential supplies on hand.