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(Image Credit: Environment Canada.)
By Curtis Galbraith
Environment Canada

Severe thunderstorm watches upgraded to warning by EC

Jul 17, 2026 | 6:16 PM

UPDATE:

Environment Canada has upgraded the thunderstorm watch for the Peace region to a warning, as meteorologists are forecasting “loonie to ping pong ball size hail” along with strong winds and heavy rain.

They recommend residents “take immediate cover if a thunderstorm approaches,” and “if outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail,” as it can lead to “significant damage and injury.”

More details and access to the weather radar can be found on Environment Canada.

A yellow watch for a severe thunderstorm is out for the City and County of Grande Prairie, the south part of the B.C. Peace, the Willmore Wilderness Park, and the Hinton and Whitecourt areas. 

The MD of Greenview is also under a severe thunderstorm watch, except for the areas around O’Brien Provincial Park, Grande Cache, and Little Smoky. They are under yellow warnings for severe thunderstorms. 

Environment Canada says conditions are right for the development of storms that could produce heavy rain, high winds and hail.  

The weather office says a “cluster of thunderstorms” that produced heavy wind and quarter-size hail started late this afternoon near Grande Cache and is moving north. 

The heat warnings are still in place for areas from Dawson Creek, Grande Prairie and Valleyview north to the territorial boundaries. 

The far northwest corner of Alberta, including High Level, La Crete and Fort Vermilion, is under an orange warning for air quality. 

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

by Curtis Galbraith