Will this be Alberta's warmest January in a decade?
Southern Alberta is on the table for possibly recording Canada’s first 20-degree day of the year on Wednesday, and it's only mid-January
After parts of Eastern Canada experienced a January thaw last week, it's the West's turn for a warm-up this week. Southern Alberta could see its warmest January temperatures in over a decade.
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Mild Pacific air will send temperatures rising to well above freezing across all of Alberta, and most of Saskatchewan. Temperatures should reach the high teens across parts of southern Alberta on Wednesday.
In fact, Alberta could snag Canada's first 20-degree reading this year, an astonishing feat for January, if it comes to fruition. As no surprise, if it occurs, it would put Alberta January records at peril of falling.
Could Alberta snag Canada's first 20°C of the year...in January?
A strong ridge of high pressure is moving up the West Coast, affecting Alberta this week.
The ridge is carrying unusually warm temperatures just above the surface. If those mix to the ground, only about a kilometre or two, all-time January temperature records across southern Alberta will be at risk.
Thermometers could soar 20-degrees above normal temperatures for this time of year.
Regions south of Calgary, Alta., are forecast to reach the mid-to-high teens on Wednesday afternoon--with room to get even warmer.
The Lethbridge, Alta., area will be one to watch for possibly overachieving its 17-degree forecast. 20°C could be attainable in this setup.
All-time January temperature records at stake:
20°C in Lethbridge January 2015
17.6°C in Calgary January 2003
18.3°C in Medicine Hat January 1931
17.1°C in Pincher Creek January 2015
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Alberta.