Snowfall warnings cover parts of the Prairies, snow continues into Friday
Though winter is technically well in the rearview mirror, winter-like weather made something of a spiteful reappearance this week, with a slow-moving system bringing snow to Alberta and Saskatchewan, with a dash of freezing rain in the mix for the latter. Those will continue through Friday morning for many areas, ahead of a brief break into the weekend before the next system gears up. A closer look, below.
INTO FRIDAY: SNOW, FREEZING RAIN CONTINUE
Snowfall warnings were widespread across southern parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan as this system gradually moved through the region, with effects expected to continue overnight.
By Friday morning, the snow will be in its final stages in southern Alberta, gradually ending through the morning and leaving behind as much as 20-30 cm for the southwestern foothills, with lesser amounts elsewhere, with a few wayward flakes possible in Calgary.
It lasts into the afternoon in southwestern Saskatchewan, where some 20-30 cm is possible.
Worsening the travel situation will be a temperature differential that will allow for overnight freezing rain to continue somewhat through the morning, tapering as the day wears on.
As the slow-moving system shifts east, and with more warm air being drawn in, the majority of precipitation will fall as rain for southern Manitoba Friday and into Saturday.
INTO THE WEEKEND: NEXT SYSTEM IN SIGHT FOR THE LATE WEEKEND
After a brief break, the next system will bring widespread rain and windy conditions to the region Sunday night and through Tuesday, bringing some much-needed rain to the many severely drought-stricken areas.
In all, between 30-50+ mm of rain could fall, giving some places more rainfall in these next few days, than they've seen so far in 2021.
As temperatures rebound to more seasonal values through the long weekend, widespread cooler than normal conditions are expected into the middle of next week.
FORECAST CENTRE: A long weekend forecast for everyone, Canada
Be sure to check back for the latest updates on the changing spring conditions across the Prairies.
