Chance of weekend thundershowers in Calgary

UPDATE: It's a comfortable call to say 2-4 mm of rain is coming to Calgary tomorrow afternoon, with the start-time still variable, with models agreeing upon 12-3 pm as most likely. The heaviest showers will be out of the gate, and common behaviour when a low sweeps by us like this is that the earlier option takes the cake. The chance of a thundershower still exists, but that, too, remains small. Another small chance, before I wrap up tomorrow's rain; early-morning snow showers.

The remainder of your weekend has settled in nicely, with some cloud expected for parts of Sunday afternoon, but no complete coverage. A couple of forecast models are zeroed in on another rain shower event (with a shot at snow showers) developing late Tuesday and carrying into Wednesday.Because forecast modeling tends to be unreliable that far out, I'm not counting those chickens before they hatch, though it still merits a mention. Other models, for instance, are calling for a decent dumping of rain a week from now on Friday evening.

In case you missed it, here's a look at the March that was in our city:

It's a potentially exciting title for some – for those who enjoy active weather, today’s forecast lacks panache. We'll watch for gusts at the 30 km/h marker, mixed in with variable cloud and a high temperature back in the double-digits.

The Saturday outlook has rainfall potential starting at noon and tracing out to midnight; as we zero in on the total amount of rain expected, a number of model estimates have gone up a hair, putting Calgary between three to four millimetres. It isn't much, but as the chart from yesterday’s article will establish, every little bit helps our farming communities.

Of note, there is now a small chance that tomorrow's rain becomes the first local thundershower of the season around the supper hour. The key word in that last sentence: small. But, hey, here’s hoping!

From Sunday onward, our upper air is largely derived from a westerly component. Dry weather returns, as will occasional gusts, with both Monday and Tuesday hitting early gust estimates in the 50 km/h range. That westerly wind also bears with it a good deal of warmth; we'll stay well above our 7 C normals pushing through the week. Tuesday also bakes in a remote chance for late-day showers, but it's too far out to verify just yet. 

YOUR FIVE-DAY CALGARY FORECAST:

Tonight

• Some cloud, low -1 C

Saturday

• Mainly cloudy, afternoon showers
• Daytime high: 10 C
• Evening: mainly clear, low -4 C

Sunday

• Partly cloudy
• Daytime high: 10 C
• Evening: some cloud, low 0 C

Monday

• Mainly sunny
• Daytime high: 14 C
• Evening: some cloud, low -1 C

Tuesday

• Mainly cloudy
• Daytime high: 8 C
• Evening: some cloud, low 0 C

Wednesday

• Mainly sunny
• Daytime high: 10 C
• Evening: some cloud, low -1 C

We’ll end "wildlife week" in our articles with Jim and Renate’s front lawn snoozer:

Viewers Jim and Renate sent this photo of a bobcat sleeping on their lawn.

e love to see your pictures of weather, wildlife, and pets – submit your photos here, email me here, or tweet them over.