Areas of southern Alberta see severe thunderstorm warning

Severe thunderstorm warnings were in place for several communities in the southern parts of the province on Friday evening.

Calgary was under a severe thunderstorm warning, though it was downgraded to a watch shortly before 8 p.m.

As of 8 p.m., warnings were still in place in the communities of Airdrie, Cochrane, Brooks, Strathmore and Okotoks.

Environment Canada said it was tracking a line of severe thunderstorms that could produce very strong wind gusts, heavy rain and hail the size of nickels — or even ping pong balls.

The weather agency warned residents to stay inside during periods of inclement weather.

Heat warning

It's going to be a scorcher in parts of southeastern Alberta this weekend, if Environment Canada forecasts come to fruition, with temperatures around and north of 30 C.

As of Friday at 11:30 a.m., Bow Island, Brooks, Coronation, Cypress Hills, Drumheller, Hanna, Medicine Hat, Oyen, Strathmore, Suffield, Three Hills and Vulcan were covered by a heat warning from the agency.

Temperatures could reach 32 C in some of those communities later Friday and Saturday.

"A reprieve in temperatures is not expected until Sunday," Environment Canada said.

"Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion."

The agency says young children, pregnant women, seniors and people with chronic illnesses should pay extra attention.

Check here for the latest conditions from Environment Canada.