News

Update 6:21PM – Severe thunderstorm warning ended for City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park 

At 4:34 p.m. MDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing heavy rain.

This thunderstorm is located over southern Edmonton.

The main threat associated with this storm is locally heavy downpours, which may cause some localized flooding.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

In effect for:

City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park

Conditions are favourable for the development of funnel clouds this afternoon into early this evening.

These types of funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds or weak thunderstorms. This weak rotation is normally not a danger near the ground. However, there is a chance that this rotation could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.

In effect for:

City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the city of Edmonton and surrounding areas.

1:43 PM MDT Wednesday 19 June 2019
Rainfall warning in effect for:

• City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park

A long episode of rain, at times heavy, continues.

A Pacific feed of moisture in combination with a developing low pressure system over central Alberta will continue to bring periods of rain to west-central regions. Total rainfall amounts could be as high as 75 mm, before coming to an end on Friday. This warning may be expanded as more information becomes available.

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations.

Rainfall warnings are issued when significant rainfall is expected.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has declared a fire ban effective immediately. The ban prohibits open burning, fireworks, backyard fire pits, cooking stoves and BBQs​ that use fuels such as wood and briquettes. Propane and gas barbecues are still permitted. 

This decision to implement the ban was based on the Fire Weather Index, which is monitored daily and takes into account temperature, wind conditions, humidity and precipitation levels. The fire restriction issued May 27 is upgraded to a ban due to continued hot and dry conditions in Edmonton. 

During the fire ban, the City emphasizes compliance over enforcement. However, anyone who does not comply with the terms of the ban may be subject to fines or charges if the activity causes a safety issue. This may also include covering costs for emergency services. 

This ban remains in effect until further notice. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services continues to monitor the Fire Weather Index in order to determine the necessary precautions required to keep Edmontonians safe.

8:07 AM MDT Thursday 30 May 2019
Special air quality statement in effect for:

• City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park

Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility in some areas.

In central parts of the province smoke is expected to move back north by Friday morning as the flow shifts to southeasterly.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.

4:25 PM MDT Wednesday 29 May 2019
Special air quality statement in effect for:

• City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park

High levels of air pollution have developed. A special air quality statement is in place due to high levels of air pollution. Hot and sunny conditions have resulted in increasing ground-level ozone concentrations in the above regions. High risk AQHI values are expected to persist for a few hours.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

If you are experiencing symptoms, such as coughing or throat irritation, consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities until the special air quality statement is lifted. Exposure to air pollution is particularly a health concern for people with heart or breathing problems, those with diabetes, children and the elderly.

Special air quality statement in effect for:

• City of Edmonton – St. Albert – Sherwood Park

High levels of air pollution have developed. A special air quality statement is in place due to high levels of air pollution. Hot and sunny conditions have resulted in increasing ground-level ozone concentrations in the above regions. High risk AQHI values are expected to persist for 1 to 2 hours.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has issued a fire restriction prohibiting open burning and fireworks that will remain in effect until further notice.

The fire weather index is currently rated at extreme.

As it stands, Backyard fire pits and recreational cook stoves are allowed.

The index takes into account temperature, wind conditions, humidity and precipitation levels.

If conditions change, the city may impose a fire ban.

Source