Image From www.weather.gc.ca

By Chris Brown

Thunderstorm watch and poor air quality statement issued for Medicine Hat area

Jul 13, 2023 | 3:40 PM

Medicine Hat and the surrounding area are under two weather alerts on Thursday afternoon.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for the Medicine Hat-Bow Island-Suffield area this afternoon hours after an air quality statement was issued.

The weather service says the main threats with these storms will be wind gusts up to 90 km/h and up to quarter-sized hail. The threat will diminish this evening.

The air quality statement was issued due to smoke from wildfires to the north and west, advising of poor air quality and reduced visibility.

On Thursday morning the Air Health Quality Index value for Medicine Hat was rated at 4 on the 10-scale. The 4 rating is at the low end of Moderate Risk. Over the next 24 24 hours the rating is forecast to rise to 7, the low end of High Risk.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

16m ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, particularly people with lung disease, heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors.

For more information on protecting your health during times of poor air quality, visit the Alberta Health Services website.

Air quality statements have been issued for the majority of Alberta and about half of Saskatchewan.

Tornado warnings were issued today in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, where a tornado was confirmed by Environment Canada.