Two days of warmer and drier conditions before more rain on Thursday

There will be a slight moderation in temperatures and conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday before another moisture-laden system moves in to southern Alberta.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, rainfall warnings were still in place for the southwest corner of the province including Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass, with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) noting, “total rainfall amounts of 50 to 80 millimetres is expected (for this area)“ and that “The heavy rain will end this morning.”

Special air quality statements have been issued for the southeast portion of Alberta, including Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

Air quality warnings covered most of Saskatchewan, with both advisories linked to increased amounts of particulate matter from wildfire smoke.

In these advisories, ECCC explains “As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”

Heavy rain fell over southern Alberta Monday, with unconfirmed rainfall totals at YYC International of just over 34 millimetres.

Rain will end on Tuesday in Calgary with sunshine helping daytime highs reach the high teens and also assist in drying up some surfaces.

Wednesday will start off fairly mild before another system moves in from southern B.C. into Alberta, producing another day of persistent rain on Thursday.

The counter-clockwise rotation around that low will bring colder air south along the foothills and enhance instability.

The maximum temperatures in the region will sit around eight to 10 degrees below average and produce variable rainfall totals.

Early model runs suggest as much as 15 to 20 millimetres of rain is possible in Calgary Thursday.