Potent winter storm may bring blizzard, record snow to the Prairies
An abrupt return to winter is on the way to the Prairies this week, with a swath of heavy snow and blustery wind gusts expected.
Ready or not, wintry weather will return to the Prairies soon.
After the warmest start to February on record across portions of the Prairies, a developing low-pressure system will create opportunities for winter weather to return to the area this week.
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The timing for wintry weather begins late in the day Monday in Alberta, continuing into Wednesday as the storm moves east toward southern Manitoba. Some areas may see blizzard conditions at times, so consider postponing non-essential travel.
Prepare for tough travel through early this week
Conditions will align to create hazardous winter travel across the Prairies beginning Monday night as Arctic air and ample Pacific moisture collide late Monday. Periods of snow across Alberta will become more widespread Monday night into Tuesday.
We’ll also see the potential for light freezing drizzle on Monday near the international border.
By Tuesday morning, folks across central Alberta will see challenging commutes as gusty winds up to 30-50 km/h pair with the snow to create low visibility. Tuesday afternoon will be much worse as blizzard conditions are becoming more likely across central and eastern Alberta as the wind intensity increases (gusts to 60 km/h+).
At the same time, a band of heavy snow will develop across central Saskatchewan Tuesday morning. Peak storm conditions will develop across the province by Tuesday night, with heavy blowing and drifting snow expected.
Further east, a wintry mix will develop across southwestern Manitoba Tuesday evening before transitioning to snow Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, delays are still expected across Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba due to the lingering snowy trough across the Prairies.
Despite the tapering snow throughout the day, travel conditions will remain hazardous due to blowing snow.
High winds combined with heavy snow will lead to low visibility, whiteouts, and possible road closures. Sustained winds of 30-40 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, could lead to localized blizzard conditions at times. Expect major travel impacts all day Tuesday across central Alberta and Saskatchewan. Visibility will likely be poor, so allow extra time for travel if you have to be on the roads
Shovellable totals likely for many communities
Here are our current forecast snowfall totals from highest to lowest:
Cold Lake: 40+ cm
Prince Albert: 30-40+ cm
Edmonton: 30+ cm
Saskatoon: 20-30+ cm
Red Deer: 20-30 cm
Fort McMurray: 20-30 cm
Grande Prairie: 20-30 cm
Calgary: 15-25 cm
Winnipeg: 15-25 cm
Medicine Hat: 5-15 cm
Thompson: < 3 cm
Snowfall totals remain a bit uncertain at this time, but many areas will likely see enough to affect travel. Even a small amount of snow is dangerous on the roads when high winds create low visibility.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.