Calgary

Special weather statement issued for Alberta as wind, rain forecast to sweep across province

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for much of Alberta, warning that some parts of north and central Alberta could see as much as 75 millimetres of rain and possible thunderstorms while the foothills could get up to 10 centimetres of snow.

Low pressure system expected to bring abrupt change in weather Wednesday

Environment Canada is warning a low pressure system will move over the province Wednesday, bringing rain, wind and possibly snow. (Nhato Diaz Damaso)

At least it was nice for the long weekend.

Environment Canada issued a special statement for much of Alberta on Tuesday, warning a strong low pressure system is expected to form near the B.C. border west of Edmonton that evening, bringing wet weather and cool temperatures.

That system is expected to move southeast across much of the province.

"The heaviest rain will extend from Hinton and Grande Prairie eastward to Edmonton, Cold Lake and Lloydminster," the advisory reads.

"Current indications are that rainfall amounts will be in the 30 to 40 [millimetre] range, but some areas of 50 to 75 [millimetres] are possible, especially with any thunderstorms embedded in the rain."

The foothills west of Calgary and Edmonton could also see as much as 10 centimetres of snow at higher elevations on Wednesday.

Strong winds are also possible.

"Winds during the day on Wednesday will be from the north at 50 to 60 km/h with gusts as high as 80 km/h," it reads. "A few gusts over the warning threshold of 90 km/h are possible, but it is too early to determine where these gusts will occur."