Blue-green iridescence

Came across this little fluffed-up Tree Swallow perched on a fence post along one of the backroads SW of the city. Taken late afternoon on Monday, 16 June 2014. I had a late afternoon physiotherapy session (shoulder and back), and had already decided that I would go for a short drive straight afterwards, no matter what the weather. Well, dark clouds filled the sky and part way there, the rain started. Normally, I never go out with my camera when it's raining, but I did manage to get several shots that were worth keeping. It has rained the last few days and more rain is expected for today.

Almost one year ago to the day of southern Alberta's devastating Flood of the Century in June 2013, people are getting anxious about the amount of rain that has been falling and continues to fall. Most of the flooding concerns seem to be from just south of Calgary, especially in the SW corner of Alberta in places like Pincher Creek. I guess we will all be finding out in the next while. A change in the weather is expected to take place this evening and onwards, with no rain and with higher temperatures.

"Improving weather conditions in southern Alberta are helping to ease fears of a repeat of last year's devastating floods. After several communities were put on evacuation alert Wednesday, officials say things are looking much better.

According to Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman, the river flow forecast has improved. Still residents are being urged to exercise caution and remain a safe distance from flooded areas.

In Claresholm, overland flooding damaged about 40 homes and prompted voluntary evacuations in the area. An evacuation centre that had been set up in Claresholm however, was closed by Wednesday evening thanks to improving conditions.

'Storm water systems and sewer systems are starting to catch up. If current conditions continue, the Town hopes to have the situation well in hand in short order,' said the town in their 4:30 pm update Wednesday, and by 6 pm the reception centre located at the arena was closed.

Areas in extreme SW Alberta will likely see a further 10-20 mm of rain this morning before the precipitation begins to taper off this afternoon. Upwards of 100 mm of rain has already been recorded in some areas.

Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible and residents are being urged to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

The timing of this significant rainfall event is eerie as it was this same time last year when 32 states of emergency were declared across the province as the flows of three major rivers rose to almost 10 times their normal rates.

It is considered the costliest disaster in Canadian history with an estimated $5 billion in damage, sparking concerns that this would be a similar event." From the Weather Network on Thursday, 19 June 2014.