10-20 cm of snow and thunderstorms mark Alberta's wild long weekend
The start to Alberta's long weekend will be a battle of two seasons, with snowfall for parts of the province and a thunderstorm risk for other areas
The start to the May long weekend is anything but an unofficial summer kickoff for Alberta. It will feel more like a winter rewind.
A period of late-spring snowfall is continuing Saturday for parts of Alberta, making for difficult travel. While confidence is low, some areas could see 10-20 cm by the time it departs. If that wasn't odd enough, parts of southern Alberta could see thunderstorms on Saturday with more warmth and instability at play.
Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Allow extra time for travel.
Snow could interrupt weekend plans, so brace for difficult travel
On Saturday, a weak trough is interacting with unseasonably cool temperatures, creating wet snow across western Alberta.
Saturday’s forecast high of 6°C in Calgary will be the coldest since April 26 (-1.6°C).
Up to 20 cm of snow is expected in Banff and parts of the Rockies, with a rain-snow mix likely in lower elevations along the foothills. Totals are uncertain at the surface, but localized, heavy accumulation is possible under heaviest snowfall.
SEE ALSO: May can bring Canada 30-degree heat and late-spring snows
There’s a slight chance flurries could extend east toward Calgary and the QE2, potentially affecting travel. Campers in affected areas should prepare for winter-like conditions.
Locally, up to 10 cm of snow or more is possible across higher terrain in the Calgary area, but confidence is low.
Periods of snow is also forecast for the Lloydminster region and along the Yellowhead Highway, leading to some additional, accumulating snowfall.
In addition to the snowfall, the there will be a risk of thunderstorms with modest instability across extreme southern Alberta on Saturday. Small hail, gusty winds and heavy rainfall are all possible for Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Confidence remains low regarding local snowfall totals, but conditions will improve as the system moves south on Sunday.
Stay updated for any further forecast developments across the Alberta.