Yahoo News Poorly timed heat dome could spark new wildfires in Alberta
The first week of May started on an unusually hot note across the province of Alberta, with daily, record-high temperatures broken, and 30°C temperatures documented at a handful of weather stations.
While these daytime highs were welcome by some, they were the perfect recipe for wildfires, with the province now under a state of emergency, as more than 80 active wildfires burn.
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The dire situation has forced thousands from their homes, with the extent of the damage difficult to determine as things continue to develop and unfold.
A change in the weather conditions did help firefighters over the weekend, as light rain moved in and the humidity cleared. Temperatures also eased, as a broad trough took over the weather pattern across Western Canada. Officials say conditions remain volatile, however.
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To complicate the situation, forecasters are now eyeing another multi-day thunderstorm threat, with the risk for lightning, which could ignite new wildfires. As well as an upcoming heat dome -- an atmospheric phenomenon known to promote a heat wave or a prolonged period of hot weather.
"The wildfire threat will likely be exacerbated late week and into the weekend, as high heat and an upper-level ridge in the jet stream are forecast to return to Western Canada," Sonnenburg adds.
RELATED: Multiple days of storm risk brings fears of new B.C., Alberta wildfires
A building ridge in the jet stream is what will transition to a heat dome this weekend, and that will contribute to several more days of summer-like temperatures. It will also erase any sort of rain chances right through the Mother's Day weekend.
High pressure in the upper atmosphere will act like a dome or cap, trapping the heat and warm temperatures for several days or longer.
WATCH: The science behind a heat dome
Temperatures into the weekend are forecast to be a concerning 10°C above normal for this time of year across northern Alberta. Daytime high temperatures will hover in the mid-to-upper 20s throughout the weekend.
In communities with elevated or high wildfire danger ratings, or could be threatened by a blaze in the near future, residents should take time now to review emergency preparedness and evacuation plans in the event of a nearby fire. Individuals and families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours in case of evacuation due to wildfires.
