While many running errands in downtown Lac La Biche on Friday afternoon may have been asking 'where did that come from?' as they dashed back to vehicle or into businesses for cover, a look at the satellite weather map showed it pretty clearly.
Radar weather images on the last day of summer for 2024 had a wet surprise for residents of the Lac La Biche area.
Rain missed archers
The sudden rain storm with some deep thunder rolled into the region at around 4pm Friday afternoon, surprising many, dumping several centimetres of rain onto the community during numerous rounds of heavy cloudbursts. The sudden storm – on the last day of summer for 2024 – didn't dampen the outdoor competition at the 2024 World Archery Field Championships taking place in the northeastern Alberta community, as the storm broke just moments after the final day of the qualifying matches had finished at the Herb Erickson Archery Lanes, the home of the Lakeland Archers.
The outdoor archery championship began on Monday, September 16 and until the Friday afternoon downpour, the week-long event had been held under sunny Alberta skies. Throughout the week, athletes from around the world walked outdoor trails, taking aim at a selection of 10-point targets set up along the narrow, rustic trails that run through the forested area. Friday's competitions were final day of elimination matches, determining the top four athletes in each of the male and female categories from what had been an original pool of 250 of the world's best target shooters.
While the athletes weren't affected by Friday afternoon's unexpected storm, organizers say the downpour put a bit of a damper on the setup for the medal round finals taking place on the hill-side driving range at the Lac La Biche golf club on Saturday and Sunday. Organizers also say the rain might make Friday night's community rodeo – an event celebrating the athletes as well as honouring the memory of the late Billy McDonald – a little big soggier than hoped for.
As of late Friday afternoon, the rodeo was still expected to run on schedule, with the first events taking place at the Lac La Biche Agricultural Grounds at 6 pm. Admission to the event is free for all attendees thanks to sponsorship by Lac La Biche County.
According to Environment Canada's satellite forecasts, rainshowers are expected to be in the area – off and on – until at least 9 pm Friday.
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