Severe weather warnings continue to be in effect for areas east of Airdrie, impacting parts of Rocky View County. Locally, forecasts for Airdrie are predicting gusting winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, which is close to meeting the threshold for a wind warning.

"You might want to behave like a wind warning [has been] issued because we're not very far, but we're not expecting [the Airdrie] area to be quite reaching the warning criteria," said Natalie Hazel, a meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canda. "Considering how close things are, you could end up with a short fuse warning."

Hazel explained that while the current weather warning in effect for parts of Rocky View County is for near-future events, a short-fuse warning is sent out with less notice regarding severe weather. Currently, areas of Rocky View County, which encompass areas like Beiseker, Irricana, and Acme, as well as parts of Wheatland County are all under wind and rainfall warnings.

"Widespread rainfall totals of 50 to 70 millimetres are likely. Locally higher amounts of up to 100 millimetres are possible. Rain will taper off on Wednesday. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts," the rainfall warning stated.

The windfall warning is calling for strong winds from the northwest with gusts to 90 kilometres per hour today.

"Winds will strengthen this morning. Strong winds will continue through the afternoon before weakening in the evening. Damage to buildings, such as roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Utility outages may occur. Motorists, especially in high-profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong crosswinds."

However, the rain and wind aren't the only severe weather the province is dealing with. For those travelling to southwestern Alberta, snowfall warnings are in place. Cardston, Fort Macleod, Magrath, as well as Crowsnest Pass, and Pincher Creek are all under snowfall warnings.

"We're looking at maybe 10 to 15 centimetres of snow. With the heavy snow road conditions will be poor," Hazel added. "Anything that was wet, will freeze most likely. If you do have to travel into the southwestern corner of the province, remember that conditions can be very different from point A to point B or from one time to another."

Looking at overall precipitation, Hazel said that while the Airdrie area saw 48.4 millimetres of liquid precipitation last month, compared to an average of 25.2 millimetres. While the precipitation last month was nearly double the historical average, she underlined that the distribution does factor into whether this will alleviate or change drought-like conditions.

"I don't know how much moisture stayed on the soil or got into the soil in the first place, and then stayed on the soil"

Hazel explained that when soil is extremely dry, a sort of crust is formed, which makes it almost impenetrable, hence heavy downpours do little to alleviate that.

"You would need several events of very light, gentle rain to break that down. If it [rain] comes down too quickly even in that situation, it's not going to get absorbed and then you end up in flash flood situations."

Rain in the Airdrie area is expected to end this evening and by week's end, it is predicted that temperatures could rise to 25 degrees. 

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