Tornado watch issued for east-central, northern Alberta

A tornado watch was issued for areas in east-central Alberta on July 15, 2026. (Josh Classen/CTV News Edmonton)

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

For the second straight day, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued severe thunderstorm watches for a large portion of central and northern Alberta.

There is also an orange-level (high impact/high confidence) tornado watch for areas west and north of Edmonton.

Reminder: watch means “potential” and warning means “happening or imminent.”

Storms are expected to develop in western Alberta early this afternoon and then move east-northeast. Large hail, heavy downpours and strong wind are the main threats. However, one or more storms has the potential to produce a tornado.

If a tornado develops or a tornado warning is issued in your area: go inside and find a room on the lowest floor away from outside walls and windows. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers, etc. and move to a strong building if possible. If trapped outdoors, make yourself as small as possible to protect yourself from flying debris.

The most likely timeframe for storms in the Edmonton area is 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Here’s the latest model guidance for the storms:

Reminder: this is just model output and actual storm location could be different, but it gives us a rough approximation of timing/location.