As the hockey season takes a break, the longstanding rivalry between Alberta’s two largest cities, Edmonton and Calgary, has shifted from the ice to the skies, with each city experiencing drastically different weather patterns this summer. While Edmonton grapples with unprecedented rainfall, Calgary enjoys a dry and warm climate, setting a contrast that has sparked playful banter between the two cities.
Edmonton’s Record-Breaking Rainfall
According to Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor, Edmonton has recorded an astonishing 533.8 millimetres of precipitation during June and July, shattering the previous summer record of 417.1 millimetres set in 1953. “That’s a record for the whole summer if we consider the months June, July, and August together,” Proctor stated, highlighting the sheer volume of rainfall that has led to flooding and disruption throughout the city.
July alone saw Edmonton inundated with 264.7 millimetres of rain, resulting in significant challenges for residents and city officials alike. Roads and basements have been flooded, trees have been uprooted, and numerous outdoor events, including concerts, have been cancelled. The city anticipates that the cost of storm cleanup will range between £20 million and £30 million.
Calgary’s Dry Spell
In stark contrast, Calgary has experienced remarkably low precipitation levels, with just 10.4 millimetres recorded in July. Proctor described the situation as “really dry,” noting that most of Calgary’s precipitation in June—approximately 108.1 millimetres—fell during only two storm events. Since then, the city has seen minimal moisture, preventing the development of thunderstorms.
As a result, Calgarians have enjoyed sunny days with temperatures soaring into the low thirties as the August long weekend approaches. The forecast indicates little change, with Calgary remaining dry while Edmonton continues to face wet conditions. This difference has led to a light-hearted rivalry, with residents of Calgary teasing their counterparts in Edmonton about the deluge.
The Stormy Summer in Edmonton
The severe weather events that have plagued Edmonton this summer have not only wreaked havoc on daily life but have also affected numerous summer festivals. The K-Days celebrations, a staple of Edmonton’s summer events, were hit hard, with the cancellation of two major concerts due to the inclement weather.
Proctor noted that the series of storms has created a feedback loop, where each rain event provides the moisture needed for subsequent thunderstorms. “One of the things to think about is, for thunderstorms—moisture is like gasoline,” he explained. The storms have predominantly tracked across the same areas, leading to concentrated rainfall and extreme downpours.
A Dry Warning for Calgary
As Calgary basks in its warm weather, Environment Canada has issued a heat warning due to ongoing high temperatures and dry conditions. The city’s forecast for Saturday predicts sunny skies and temperatures reaching the mid-thirties, a stark contrast to the weather in Edmonton.
With only a slight chance of rainfall on Sunday, Calgary’s dry spell has prompted officials to issue a fire advisory, highlighting the potential dangers posed by the hot, dry conditions. As the city enjoys its “Blue Sky City” reputation, the stark differences in weather have left many residents feeling grateful for the sunny days while empathising with their drenched neighbours to the north.
Why it Matters
The divergent weather patterns in Alberta not only underscore the region’s climatic variability but also highlight the broader implications of environmental changes. The challenges faced by Edmonton due to unprecedented rainfall bring to light the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure in the face of extreme weather, while Calgary’s dry conditions raise concerns about drought and fire risks. This summer’s weather rivalry serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable urban planning and environmental stewardship in adapting to changing climate conditions across the province.
