A severe thunderstorm watch issued earlier Monday for Rocky View County near Airdrie and Crossfield has been lifted.
Environment Canada ended the alert just before 6 p.m. MDT, after warning for several hours that conditions were favourable for storms capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.
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In a bulletin issued at 12:12 p.m., forecasters said thunderstorms were expected to develop in the afternoon and continue into the evening. Wind was forecast to shift southwest at 30 kilometres per hour, gusting to 50, with a daytime high of 26.
"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail," the agency stated.
The advisory had warned of potential damage to roofs, fences, branches and soft structures. "Large hail can cause significant damage and injury," the statement said.
Environment Canada also urged residents to take precautions. "When thunder roars, go indoors. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Secure loose objects."
While the storm risk has passed, the evening forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a 30 per cent chance of showers early in the evening and a risk of a thunderstorm. Conditions are expected to clear later this evening, with wind from the west at 20 kilometres per hour gusting to 40 before becoming light. The overnight low is forecast at 5°C.
Sunny skies are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, with daytime highs of 24 and 28, respectively. Thursday will bring increasing cloudiness and a high of 30, followed by showers Thursday night and a low of 8. Clear and sunny conditions are forecast to return Friday, with a high of 23.
According to Environment Canada, a thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions are favourable for the development of storms that could bring damaging hail, wind or rain.
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