LAKELAND - Much of the Lakeland region is once again under a severe thunderstorm watch, as of 10:34 a.m., on July 24.
According to an alert from Environment Canada released on Wednesday morning, "Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain."
The alert, which stretches east to west across a large portion of the province, further states, "Thunderstorms have developed. Some of these thunderstorms will become severe this morning. The risk of severe thunderstorms will last until late in the evening."
The thunderstorm watch could be expanded as the situation develops.
Air quality
An air quality alert also remains in place due to smoke from wildfires. Some areas of the Lakeland, including St. Lina and Cold Lake monitoring stations, are forecasting that the air quality health index rating reaches 11 today, which is in the "very high risk" category.
"Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility. Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour," reads the air quality alert.
"During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk."
