Flights grounded in Edmonton amid extremely dense fog

Digital WritersThe Weather Network
Digital Writers

Long delays at the airport extended into the early afternoon even as flights resumed.

The weather threw a wrench into what should have been the exciting start to a spring break adventure for many travellers in Edmonton on Saturday.

Visit our Complete Guide to Spring 2019 for an in depth look at the Spring Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more

Very dense fog caused long delays at Edmonton International Airport Saturday morning, with visibility reduced to 1/8 of a mile (0.2 km) for hours. At one point shortly after sunrise, zero visibility was reported at the airport.

"This morning, no arriving flights or departing flights have been able to operate," airport spokesperson Traci Bednard told Global News. "That's a particular challenge for us because we’re in the middle of spring break. So certainly a lot of people here waiting for those flights."

While the airport reported via social media that flights had once again begun departing shortly after noon, local time, they recommended travellers re-confirm flight times with their airline, as delays due to backlogged flights were expected to persist.

It wasn't just the airport that was socked in through the morning hours; even getting to the airport -- or anywhere else -- was a challenge for drivers as the thick fog coated the North Saskatchewan River Valley through central Alberta.

Some areas of dense fog, with extremely low visibility, are expected to persist into the early afternoon on Saturday, mainly south of Edmonton. Milder temperatures atop lingering snow cover and stagnant air beneath a strong capping inversion -- that is, a layer of warmer air aloft over the region that effectively puts a lid on the atmosphere nearest the ground -- is to blame for both the fog and the moderate air quality central Alberta has been experiencing the past few days. As high pressure drifts east through the weekend, the air quality is expected to improve.

WATCH BELOW: RAPID SNOWMELT MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR ALBERTANS