A very wet weekend is on the way for southern Alberta, with rainfall totals potentially exceeding 200 millimetres in some areas, particularly along the southern Rocky Mountain foothills. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), a large weather system is moving in, bringing intense rain, strong winds, and even heavy, wet snow over higher elevations.
Christy Climenhaga, a meteorologist with ECCC, explained that the incoming system is being driven by a low-pressure area forming just south of the U.S. border, which is drawing moisture northward into Alberta. This system is vertically stacked, allowing for enhanced precipitation throughout the atmosphere.
Heavy rainfall from Friday through Sunday along the foothills
The rain will begin Friday and intensify over the southern foothills, with widespread totals between 50 and 100 mm, and localized amounts possibly reaching 200 mm. Areas most likely to be impacted include High River, Pincher Creek, Waterton, and southern sections of Highway 22.
Wet, heavy snow expected in the mountains by Friday night
As colder air settles into the region Friday night, precipitation over higher terrain will transition to snow. This will result in very wet and heavy snowfall, particularly in areas such as Highwood Pass and elevated stretches of Highway 93 South, where accumulations between 10 and 20 centimetres are possible. Snow amounts will vary depending on elevation and local temperatures.
Strong northerly winds Saturday: risk of tree damage and power outages
Winds from the north will strengthen on Saturday, with gusts between 60 and 80 km/h expected. Combined with already saturated ground, these winds could cause tree damage and localized power outages, depending on how the system evolves.
Similar past rain events in Alberta
While systems like this are not unprecedented, they are still notable. Climenhaga pointed to a major June 2022 event, when Calgary received 79 mm of rain, and the Kananaskis region saw over 200 mm between June 12 and 15. Many Albertans also recall the catastrophic 2013 floods, which involved even more rain in a short period.
These setups do happen, Climenhaga said, but they remain significant events for Alberta’s early summer weather pattern.
