With the Victoria Day long weekend approaching, forecasts suggest Airdrie may be in for more unsettled conditions, with lingering rain and below-seasonal temperatures expected to stretch into the holiday Monday.
Environment Canada is calling for a high of 12 C on Friday, May 16, with a 30 per cent chance of evening showers. Saturday is expected to remain cloudy with a high of 13 C and a growing chance of showers overnight. Sunday’s forecast shows a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 16 C, followed by scattered rain into the night.
The Weather Network’s forecast for Victoria Day, May 19, calls for cloud and light rain, with a high of 12 C. Environment Canada’s forecast currently extends only to Sunday, May 18.
The Weather Network forecast aligns with this general pattern, noting limited sunshine and a low but persistent risk of daily rainfall throughout the long weekend. Overnight lows will range from 2 to 6 C.
Seasonal forecasters offer a similar outlook. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, May 15 to 21 will bring "sunny east, intervals of thunderstorms, some heavy west; very warm," while May 22 to 31 will see "showers, very warm east; thunderstorms, warm west." The Almanac predicts an average May temperature of 12.5 C in the region, with eastern Alberta trending 3 C above normal and precipitation up to 60 mm above normal in the west.
The Farmers’ Almanac also points to a damp start to the long weekend, forecasting "generally fair skies initially, then some rain mars Victoria Day festivities" across Alberta and the Prairies from May 16 to 19. Conditions are expected to improve May 20 to 23, with "clearing skies" and "pleasant weather extending east to Manitoba."
The long weekend forecast comes as a rainfall warning remains in effect for the Airdrie area. Environment Canada is forecasting between 50 and 70 millimetres of rain by Tuesday morning, with the heaviest precipitation expected throughout the day Monday.
Rain is expected to intensify through the day and continue into the night. The system may also produce up to 10 centimetres of wet snow in higher terrain west of the city.
"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads," the federal agency stated. "Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible." The warning also advises residents to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Rain is expected to taper off Tuesday morning, followed by a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of afternoon showers and a risk of thunderstorms. The high will reach 17 C, with an overnight low of -1 C.
Wednesday carries a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 16 C, with rain continuing into the night. Thursday is forecast to remain partly cloudy, with a high of 12 C and a low around 0 C.
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