Living in this part of Southern Alberta people know that we can experience a sunny day in the morning and torrential downpours in the afternoon, anything can happen. We spoke to Kyle Fougere a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada about this hot summer weather, and what people should do if they get caught in severe weather like a thunderstorm this summer.

Fougere explained that the heat and humidity in the province are what really give the energy for strong thunderstorms.

“I think a lot of people in Alberta typically whenever they see the temperatures get above 30 degrees, they tend to think that these thunderstorms are going to come. Given the heat this time there has been a ridge of high pressure that has just been stagnant over Alberta, and because it's not really moving, that hasn't allowed thunderstorms to form, but we typically see as the heat kind of builds, and then as a low-pressure system follows the ridge that's when we'll see the storms,” he said.

In terms of how to be safe and ready before a storm strokes, Fougere explained,” At Environment Canada we issue over 1,500 watches and warnings for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes in the summer months.”

He says one of the most important things is to make sure that you have a way to receive weather warnings, especially if you're out traveling or camping away from home.

“Sometimes people don't necessarily have a way to get those, so that's number 1, and then number 2 is to make sure that you have a plan of action to protect yourself to take shelter should those storms approach,” he said.

“Make sure they have a cell phone or a radio, or a way to get their warnings, and then if they're out to have a plan on where they will go, should disagree thunderstorm approach,” said Fougere

Keep up to date with weather warnings from Environment Canada by visiting https://weather.gc.ca/mainmenu/alert_menu_e.html