Winter strikes back at the Prairies with snow, possible blizzard conditions
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 Monday in Alberta, continuing into Wednesday 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 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, a band of heavy snow will develop across central Saskatchewan. Peak storm conditions will develop across the province by Tuesday night, with heavy blowing and drifting snow expected.
Tuesday afternoon will be much worse as blizzard conditions are becoming more likely across central and eastern Alberta as wind intensity increases (gusts to 60 km/h+).
Q: Will this be a blizzard?
A: Tuesday afternoon has the potential in Alberta, then in Saskatchewan by Tuesday evening and overnight.
By Tuesday night, peak storm conditions develop across Saskatchewan, with heavy blowing and drifting snow.
A wintry mix develops 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 trough across the Prairies.
Precipitation will gradually ease throughout the day, but blowing and drifting snow, and local road closures, are still a concern.
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
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.
Communities including Red Deer, Edmonton, Cold Lake, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon can expect significant snowfall from this system, with 10-20+ cm of accumulation possible. Southeastern Saskatchewan toward Regina also faces a higher risk of heavy snow.
As of early this weekend, it appears that the lowest snowfall totals are expected in southwestern Saskatchewan, where less than 10 cm is expected.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.