Cold front to bring below seasonal temperatures, snow potential to parts of Alberta

Thursday, May 1, 2014, 6:50 PM -

After a brief dose of spring, big changes are coming to the Prairies.

A huge temperature swing is on the way, coupled with the potential for significant precipitation starting late Thursday evening.

"Rain showers will affect southern Alberta Thursday evening, changing to wet snow across the northern Foothills by Friday morning," says Weather Network meteorologist Gina Ressler.

NEW FEATURE: PRECIP START/STOP: Now we can help you predict when your area will see precipitation. Simply visit your city page and click the 3-Hour Precip Start Stop logo

"While Calgary and areas to the south and east will start Friday off with rain, temperatures will become cold enough to support a changeover to snow through the evening and into Saturday morning."

Snow is expected to continue through Saturday with the heaviest amounts accumulating in higher terrain.

The messy weather is forecast to continue through Sunday.

SNOWFALL ACCUMULATION

• Southeastern Alberta, including Lethbridge and Medicine Hat: Less than 5 cm
• Pincher Creek, Olds/Red Deer to Hinton: 5-10 cm
• Foothills and higher terrain: 15-25 cm

Snowfall accumulations could vary, depending on the temperature which is expected to hover around the freezing mark.

Temperatures will start to climb back to seasonal levels next week.