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Calgary Herald

Calgary under severe thunderstorm watch, heavy rainfall expected throughout weekend

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued Wednesday afternoon, and heavy rainfall is forecast for Calgary this weekend. Article content Environment Canada warns online that severe thunderstorms can mean large hail, strong wind gusts and tornadoes. Article content Article content Heavy rain is expected to begin Friday, with temperatures expected to drop by Saturday. Article content 'It does look like it will be a significant rainfall event for the area,' said Christy Climenhaga, a scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. Article content Article content Climenhaga said that although it's difficult to predict days in advance, there's a strong likelihood of extreme weather warnings being issued over the course of the weekend. Article content Article content 'We may put out some messaging, a special weather statement or such, tonight or tomorrow,' she said. 'But it does look like quite a bit of rainfall, starting Friday afternoon, continuing heavy at times on Saturday, before starting to wrap up on Sunday.' Article content Climenhaga said showers could help reduce the risk of wildfires starting or spreading in central Alberta, but that, too, is difficult to predict. Article content 'When you look at fire risk, we're looking at how dry it is, how hot it is, how windy it is,' Climenhaga said. 'When you're getting into a couple of days of soggy weather, cooler weather, that will lower your risk at the time, and it's just a matter of seeing how things progress.' Article content Article content Heavy rainfall could pose challenges for several outdoor events planned for this weekend in Calgary, including Heritage Park's National Indigenous Peoples Da y celebrations and some parts of the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival. Article content Chariot Fest, a Hindu celebration of unity, peace and devotion, is also set to take place outdoors, with a parade through downtown ending at Prince's Island Park. Article content 'It's not ideal if it does end up being heavy rainfall,' said Purushottama Carana Das, a volunteer helping to organize the Chariot Fest events, 'but we do have some backup plans.' Article content