As the hockey season takes a break, the long-standing rivalry between Alberta’s two largest cities has shifted focus from the ice to the skies. Calgary and Edmonton find themselves in a stark contrast this summer, with one city basking in sunshine while the other grapples with record-breaking rainfall.
A Record-Breaking Summer for Edmonton
Recent statistics from Environment Canada reveal that Edmonton has received a staggering 533.8 millimetres of precipitation during June and July, a figure that sets a new record for summer rainfall in the city. Meteorologist Brian Proctor noted that this surpasses the previous record of 417.1 millimetres set in 1953. “That’s just an amazing amount of moisture,” he remarked, highlighting the severity of the situation.
July alone contributed to this deluge, with the city recording 264.7 millimetres of rain. The repercussions have been significant, leading to flooded streets, damaged homes, and the cancellation of various outdoor events, including concerts during the annual K-Days festival. The City of Edmonton anticipates that the cost of storm-related cleanup will fall between £20 million and £30 million.
Calgary’s Dry Spell
In contrast, Calgary has experienced a notably dry July, with only 10.4 millimetres of rain recorded. Proctor described the conditions as “really dry,” pointing out that the city only saw substantial rainfall in June, primarily during two storm events that contributed to approximately 75 per cent of the month’s total precipitation of 108.1 millimetres.
“Since then, moisture has been scarce, and thunderstorms have not developed as they typically would,” he explained. While Edmonton was inundated with storm after storm, Calgary has enjoyed clear skies and warm temperatures, reaching the low 30s Celsius at the start of August.
The Thunderstorm Surge in Edmonton
The sequence of storms that have engulfed Edmonton this summer has been relentless. Each rain event has contributed to the next, with the abundance of moisture acting as fuel for thunderstorm activity. Proctor likened moisture to “gasoline” for these storms, explaining how the conditions have repeatedly ignited thunderstorms that predominantly track across the city.
“This has resulted in highly localized and extreme downpours,” he added, underscoring the variability experienced across different neighbourhoods. Proctor noted that thunderstorms have frequently originated in the foothills before moving northeast across Edmonton, creating challenges for residents and city officials alike.
A Glimpse Ahead: Forecasts for August
As August approaches, the weather outlook remains consistent. Calgary is expected to maintain its dry spell, while Edmonton will likely continue to experience wet conditions. The forecast for Edmonton on the first day of August suggests a mix of sun and clouds, with a 30 per cent chance of afternoon showers. In contrast, Calgary’s forecast indicates more sunshine and higher temperatures, prompting the city to issue a fire advisory due to ongoing dry conditions.
Calgary’s reputation as Alberta’s “Blue Sky City” is certainly shining through this summer, as it enjoys a starkly different climate compared to its northern counterpart.
Why it Matters
The contrasting weather patterns between Calgary and Edmonton highlight the broader implications of climate variability in Alberta. With cities facing divergent weather extremes, the impacts extend beyond daily inconveniences; they affect local economies, public safety, and environmental sustainability. As Alberta navigates these challenges, the collective response to such climatic shifts will be crucial in shaping resilient communities for the future.