Blowing snow hazard on the Prairies, and a severe cold to follow
A cold front is set to bring blowing snow, squalls, and strong wind gusts to Alberta and Saskatchewan through Wednesday, creating hazardous travel conditions. Following the snowfall, Arctic air will move in, causing temperatures to drop sharply
Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan are set to experience snowfall Tuesday night into Wednesday. Widespread windy conditions will follow, bringing blowing snow across the southern Prairies. Sudden near-zero visibility may create difficult travel conditions, particularly in southwestern Saskatchewan.
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Later this week, a surge of frigid Arctic air will bring widespread extreme cold, with temperatures plunging across the region. Residents are urged to prepare for the cold and monitor for any weather advisories.
Two fast-moving northern Canada storms to impact the Prairies
Two quick-moving systems from northern Canada will track through the Prairies, bringing light snowfall in the 3-5+ cm range.
The second system, arriving Tuesday into Wednesday morning, will strengthen with a powerful Arctic cold front. Snowfall in intense frontal bands is expected, particularly in southwestern Saskatchewan.
Strong wind gusts between 50-80 km/h will accompany the second system, causing blowing snow and sudden near-zero visibility in parts of southwestern Alberta and, more significantly, southeastern Saskatchewan from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.
Wind gusts of 40-60 km/h will continue through Wednesday afternoon, as snowfall tapers off, but blowing snow lingers, impacting travel in affected regions.
Polar vortex brings intense cold to eastern Prairies
The polar vortex is set to bring extreme cold to the eastern Prairies following an Arctic cold front. Wind chills in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are expected to range from -30 to -40 by the weekend.
Daytime highs will remain in the low -20s for several days, while overnight lows could dip into the -30s.
Residents should prepare for prolonged frigid conditions and monitor for updates on extreme cold warnings.
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Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across the Prairies.