HighRiver

Southern Alberta has seen its share of thunderstorms and rain alerts in recent weeks, and now, a Heat Warning has been issued.

Environment Canada issued the warning early Wednesday morning, with daytime highs near 30°C and overnight lows between 14°C and 18°C.

The warning is in effect for the following areas:

Even though the final days of July are forecasted to be warm, Foothills County has had a particularly wet month.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada scientist Christy Climenhaga, this has been one of the wettest Julys in Calgary-area history.

"It has been a very cool run, and we're starting to finally get back into some warmer weather," Climenhaga said. "Temperatures looking to jump back up towards the higher 20s for the end of the week, hotter a little further north, but it looks like in the Okotoks area, you should be, kind of, in that 27 degree range."

A procession of motorcycles has departed for an annual cross-Canada ride.

The Rolling Barrage, now in its ninth year, is a cross-country ride that raises money for PTSD services for veterans and first responders.

They departed from St. John's, Newfoundland, on Monday (July 28) and are expected to finish the ride in Aldergrove, B.C., on August 16.

It has become an annual tradition in the towns the barrage passes through, with locals lining the streets to greet the procession.

The Town of Diamond Valley is creating their first ever Municipal Development Plan (MDP), and residents are invited to learn more about it.

MDP's are a roadmap that guide's the community's growth and development over the next 20 years.

According to the Town, the MDP for Diamond Valley reflects the values and aspirations of Diamond Valley residents, as well as directing development in town in a way that respects the history and heritage of the town, all while still encouraging connection and unity within the framework of fiscal responsibility.

The Bank of Canada is expected to make an interest rate decision this morning.

Economists and financial markets widely expect the central bank will keep its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent.

A surprisingly strong June jobs report and signs of stubbornness in core inflation convinced many economists the bank would remain on hold.

The Bank of Canada left its key rate unchanged at its two most recent decisions as it waits for more clarity on how Canada's tariff dispute with the United States will affect inflation and the economy.

British Columbians are being urged to stay away from coastal areas that remain under a tsunami advisory, after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded triggered warnings and alerts around the Pacific.

The District of Tofino says beaches are closed, while the province's emergency information agency says people in areas covered by the advisory should stay away from shorelines, with strong waves and currents possible.

The Alberta RCMP Auto Theft Unit laid nearly 100 charges in connection with an organized crime network.  

The group was re-VINning and fraudulently registering stolen vehicles across the province.  

The investigation resulted in officers recovering approximately $1.9 million in stolen vehicles and illegal substances. Over 150 additional vehicles are still being traced.  

A month-long road closure in Foothills County has been extended.  

Construction on 210 Ave W between 240 St W and 256 St W has been extended until Aug. 15, due to the weather over the last couple of weeks.  

The detour will stay in place for the public, with local traffic still having access to properties on 210 Ave W.  

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for a large part of southern Alberta.

Environment Canada issued the Watch, because the conditions are favourable to develop severe thunderstorms, which could produce large hail, wind, and heavy rain from late this afternoon to early this evening. 

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for:

Alberta's chief electoral officer is rebuffing calls from Premier Danielle Smith and her justice minister to reverse course and sign off on a proposed referendum question on separation.

On social media, Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery said earlier Tuesday that Albertans should be able to embark on gathering signatures "without needless bureaucratic red tape or court applications slowing the process."