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Airdrie residents heading into the Victoria Day long weekend should prepare for cool temperatures, showers, and a possible overnight frost, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
"A chance of showers, at the very least, particularly in the afternoon, with the risk of thunderstorms," is expected Saturday across the Airdrie and Calgary region, said meteorologist Todd Bate.
The Friday morning forecast called for a high of 15 C under mainly cloudy skies, with a 60 per cent chance of showers and possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. Southeast winds could gust up to 40 km/h.
Fog patches are expected overnight, with temperatures falling to a low of 3 C.
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Saturday is forecast to bring a mix of sun and cloud in the morning, followed by a 60 per cent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorm risk. The high is expected to reach 14 C. The low overnight is forecast at 1 C.
Sunday will remain cloudy with a daytime high of 14 C. Skies are expected to begin clearing Sunday night, with a low near 2 C.
"Monday actually does look a little bit better," Bate said. "We're looking at temperatures around 18 degrees, with a mix of sun and clouds."
Bate said conditions are near or slightly below seasonal norms. "Typically, normal temperatures for this time of year [are] around 16 during the daytime, with a minimum of three, and we're sitting around that or a couple degrees below that during the May long weekend."
Gardeners are advised to wait before planting.
"They're a little bit below average, particularly on Monday night, when we're looking at a low of zero degrees," Bate said. "With the lows of zero degrees and clear skies, there's certainly a good chance of frost on Monday."
Cool and unsettled conditions are expected to continue after the long weekend.
"I would say, in general, we're feeling pretty good that there's going to be continued cloudy and cool and unsettled weather," Bate said. "Highs generally hanging around the mid-teens… looking at lows still in around the mid-single digits."
Thunderstorm safety is also a concern.
"I would just caution, particularly for campers, try not to be caught outside during a thunderstorm," Bate said. "Lightning is a considerable danger to the public. It's responsible for a few fatalities per year."
For those heading into the mountains, Bate said snow remains possible at higher elevations.
"In the high mountains, there's some chance of snow," he said. "But for places such as Banff… like in the community, it should be warm enough that precipitation would fall as rain showers."
Airdrie is no longer under a fire advisory.
The advisory, originally issued May 2 in response to hot, dry and windy conditions, has since been lifted. As of early Friday morning, the City had not issued a formal statement acknowledging the change.
However, the advisory no longer appears on the City’s Current fire bans and advisories webpage. Airdrie is no longer listed on the Alberta Fire Bans map as being under any restriction.
Fire pit use within city limits remains regulated under Fire Services Bylaw No. B-18/2018. Burn permits and fireworks use continue to require approval from the Airdrie Fire Department.
As of May 16, both East and West Rocky View County remain under fire advisories. The previous fire ban has been downgraded, but all permit burning and fireworks permits remain suspended.
Campfires are permitted only if contained in approved pits not exceeding 24 inches in diameter. Mountain View County has also lifted its previous fire restriction.
In the Calgary Forest Area, Alberta Wildfire lifted both its fire advisory and the fire ban affecting northern portions of the region on May 13.
"The wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area is now low," the agency said. "Some much-needed precipitation was received at virtually all stations across the area. Not only will the moisture help to moderate the extremely dry conditions, but it will also expedite green-up across the landscape."
Fire permits are once again being issued for the Forest Protection Area. A permit is required for all burning other than campfires, including brush piles and burn barrels. Permits can be requested at 403-297-8800.
Since January 1, the Calgary Forest Area has recorded 14 wildfires, burning a total of 28.56 hectares.
Bear warnings remain in effect in parts of Kananaskis Country.
Alberta Parks issued a May 14 closure notice for the Rockwall Trail and the meadow surrounding the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre. The area is closed until further notice due to multiple bears frequenting the site.
A separate bear warning issued May 8 for the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, including buildings and parking lots, also remains active. Officials have confirmed sightings of both black and grizzly bears.
Alberta Parks states that bears can be encountered anywhere in Kananaskis at any time.
Visitors are advised to:
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Make noise and travel in groups
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Stay alert and watch for bear signs
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Keep pets leashed
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Carry accessible bear spray and know how to use it
Bear sightings should be reported to 403-591-7755.
Banff campers face recurring alcohol and cannabis bans
Parks Canada also reminds visitors of the ban on alcohol and cannabis use during long weekends in designated Banff National Park campgrounds.
The restriction is authorized under Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations and Section 13(b) of the National Parks Camping Regulations. It applies from 7 a.m. Friday, May 16 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 19.
Campgrounds where the prohibition is in effect include:
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Castle Mountain
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Johnston Canyon
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Lake Louise (Hard-sided, Overflow, Soft-sided)
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Mosquito Creek
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Protection Mountain
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Rampart Creek
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Silverhorn Creek
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Tunnel Mountain (Trailer Court, Village I, Village II)
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Two Jack (Lakeside, Main)
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Waterfowl Lakes
The same rules will be enforced during the Canada Day (June 27–July 2), Heritage Day/BC Day (August 1–4), and Labour Day (August 29–September 1) long weekends.
Violations may result in the cancellation of camping permits, eviction from the campground, or charges under the Canada National Parks Act. Maximum penalties can reach $25,000. Camping fees are not refunded.
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