An Unusual Summer Chinook Arch Took Over Calgary's Skies Yesterday (PHOTOS)

Albertans are quite used to dramatic weather. From drastic blizzards over the winter to floods and wildfires during spring and summer, each season brings with it a slew of surprises. The latest phenomenon is a Calgary chinook arch that loomed over the skies on Tuesday, June 23. 

Calgarians know all too well about chinooks but even they were completely shocked over what they saw in their skies throughout Tuesday. 

If you're not sure what chinooks are all about, we've got you covered. According to the Canada West Foundation, they are warm, dry winds that descend upon mountain slopes when "warm air has lost its moisture." 

Though these winds occur every now and then across the globe, they're most prominent in southern Alberta. 

What's particularly strange about Tuesday's occurrence is that it's the middle of the summer.

These winds usually blow through during the winter, bringing up the temperature wherever they go and even melting feet of snow within just a day.

It's often a much-needed break from the usual extreme winter conditions. 

But for whatever reason, a chinook arch decided to grace Calgary's skies right at the start of summer.

The chinook arch, in particular, often looks like a storm cloud. But thankfully, they don't bring anything that threatening. Just a burst of warm weather when Calgarians need it the most. Not in this case, though. 

As you can tell from the photos, these massive, dark clouds stand in contrast to the sunny, blue skies. 

But apparently it's not as usual as people might think. A meteorologist from the Weather Network said on Twitter that chinook arches "are more common in winter, but can occur any time stable air with enough moisture for cloud is forced over the Rockies!"

According to the American Meteorological Society, arch clouds can stretch for a few hundred kilometres. They're also the best predictor for the chinook winds. 

Calgarians have had a rough go with seasonal rain recently. The city was totally submerged a few weeks back and the hail that dropped down was said to have destroyed property. 

And although this particular arch didn't bring apocalyptic weather, Albertans should brace for some "ring of fire" weather this summer.