30-50 cm: Potent Prairie system threatens both heavy snow and thunderstorms
A spring storm this week will bring heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms to the Prairies, leading to periods of challenging travel conditions
A clash of seasons will hit the Prairies hard this week, bringing both heavy snow, and the risk for thunderstorms.
While the storm's exact track remains uncertain, parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba could see up to 50 cm of snow.
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Weather Highlights:
Exact location of heaviest snow unknown but parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba could see between 40-50+ cm
Travel hazards with reduced visibility are likely
Also a thunderstorm threat Wednesday and Thursday in parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northwestern Ontario
Be sure to check the road conditions before heading out.
The storm setup and timing over the Prairies
Rain, snow, and possible icy precipitation are expected this week, with impacts extending into the weekend. Ahead of the system, temperatures will rise to summer-like highs in the low- to mid-20s near the international border. Behind the storm, daytime highs will drop to sub-freezing for several days.
Due to an atmospheric blocking pattern, the storm will remain over the region into the weekend, delaying its exit. The system is forecast to strengthen again on Thursday, bringing stronger wind gusts and heightened impacts.
Heavy snow spreads across northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, risk of dangerous whiteouts
Snowfall projections have increased for northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with totals of 40-50+ cm possible between Thursday and Saturday. Some uncertainty still remains about the exact location of the heaviest snow in the north.
Southern Saskatchewan is expected to experience rain transitioning to snow Thursday morning, with heavy snowfall rates potentially adding up to 10-20+ cm around Saskatoon and Regina. Blowing snow may create hazardous driving conditions Thursday afternoon and evening.
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Strong northerly winds, reaching 60+ km/h, will develop across Alberta and Saskatchewan as cold air moves in. These winds, combined with bands of snow, could lead to localized whiteout conditions.
Risk of thunderstorms for parts of the southern Prairies
As the low-pressure system moves across the Prairies, instability and warm air will surge north toward the international border.
While the primary severe storm risk remains in the U.S., some storms may track into southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Wednesday. By Thursday, the storm risk will shift east into Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network as we continue to update the forecast for the Prairies.