If you’ve felt like it’s been a particularly wet and stormy summer in Calgary, you’re not alone.
In fact, local meteorologists have confirmed that in the first 20 days of July, there’s been more than 100 mm of rain. And it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon.
More rain on the way
Over the weekend, a substantial amount of rain was recorded, with some communities seeing more than 40 mm between Friday and Sunday.
The official Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather station at YYC airport measures precipitation in the city, and its results this year have been exceptionally soggy.
According to historical data from 1991 to 2020, June, July and August are the wettest months in Calgary on average. In fact, the three summer months are responsible for more than half of the yearly precipitation in the city.
This year’s winter and spring have been drier than average, which makes the rain a welcome addition for farmers and gardeners alike. But with most of the precipitation falling over a short period of time, it can be a struggle for the already soaked ground to absorb all that water.
And it’s not going to let up anytime soon — more rain is expected in central and southern Alberta this week.
Severe storms
Communities in northern Calgary have already seen the devastating effects of some of these unpredictable storms. Last week, golfball-sized hail and high winds ravaged communities in North Haven and Thorncliffe, toppling trees, denting cars, and ripping holes in panel siding.
Hopefully, these communities have seen the last of the intense storms. But with more rain expected before the end of the summer, there are plenty of wet days ahead in the forecast.
Rain, rain, go away
Looking for a few ideas to beat the summer storms? A rainy day walk down by the Bow River pathway is a serene choice (just don’t forget to pack your umbrella!)
If you’re on the hunt for an enticing read to help you wait out the rain, try hitting up one of Calgary’s public libraries. Here you can borrow books, movies, TV shows, and more to keep you occupied during a day spent at home.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to get your feet wet, an afternoon stroll through one of Calgary’s local shopping districts can be a cozy way to spend the afternoon. We recommend hitting up some of the local bookshops located along Inglewood’s 9th Avenue, or popping into a local coffee shop on 4th Street in Mission and along 17th Avenue.
And don’t forget about the things you can do around the house to prepare for additional rainfall. Remember to clean out your eavestroughs, keep your trees trimmed, and consider hail protection for your tender annuals and perennials. If you’ve been thinking of investing in a rain barrel to save on utility costs, this week might be the perfect time to take the plunge. Here you can check out Green Calgary‘s tips on purchasing and installing a city-approved rain barrel system.
Even though we’re in for a wetter-than-average summer ahead, we’ll be making the most of the rainy day vibes while they last. See you out there!
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