Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Hanna, Three Hills, and Drumheller region regarding the upcoming weekend.
They expect a significant amount of rainfall in our area topping between 50 and 100 millimetres, with more rainfall and even snowfall in western regions, including the foothills and the mountains. We reached out to Stingray Weather Specialist Brandon Houck to explain what to expect in our region. “It is all depending on where this band of rain sits over the next few days. Areas just to the south of Drumheller, we are looking at potentially 90 to 100 millimetres of rain expected by the end of this weekend. If that rain band moves a bit north than expected, Drumheller and Hanna area could be in the bullseye of the heaviest rain across parts of southern Alberta. If it stays to the south of Drumheller, the area is expected to get upwards of 50 t0 60 millimetres.”
Houck notes that the rain is not the only worry when it comes to this weather system. “It’s not just the rain, but the winds are going to be gusting 70 to 90 kilometres per hour. You get this rain, with the wind, you could be in for some damage to some trees, which could also lead to some power outages as well.”
The optimistic view on this storm system is that Houck believes the thunder and lightning may not be in our area. “By the looks of things, the best chance for any thunder will be in Southeastern Alberta so it doesn’t look like we are going to get much in the way of thunder. Any convective bands of rain will enhance the rainfall totals, especially through the weekend and into next week. The good news is that the snow will stay into the mountains.”
Houck notes that we can see snow any time of year in Alberta, especially in western regions. He also reminds us that this is the same time of year as the 2013 flooding of the High River, Calgary, and our region. “The good news is that with this system, is we have such a low snowpack in the mountains and the foothills. This is right on the anniversary of the 2013 situation in Southern Alberta. It doesn’t look like it is going to be a repeat but the rivers could potentially rise from this system.” There is also a concern with overland flooding if the area does receive 100 millimetres of rain.
A number of events in our area have been postponed, including the Trochu Bullarama, which is now on July 5th, the Bassano Rodeo, which is also on July 4 to 6th. Even the Drumheller Farmers’ Market is moving indoors to the Badlands Historical Centre. Houck shares it may be a good idea to change your plans. “Have fun if you’re golfing in this weather. It is not going to be a great weekend to do anything outside, especially with the wind. The rain is one thing but the wind is going to add to it.”
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