Travel alert: 50+ cm of spring snow targets parts of the Prairies this week
A large low pressure system moving through the Prairies from Wednesday to the weekend will bring rain, heavy snow, strong winds, and sharply colder temperatures, with significant impacts including whiteout conditions and 30–50+ cm of snow in parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Arctic air will surge south into the Prairies this week, bringing a major spring snowstorm during the second half of the week.
Low pressure will form over Montana on Wednesday before intensifying and tracking into southern Manitoba by Thursday. The system will then retrograde westward into Saskatchewan on Friday before dissipating through the weekend. Brace for travel delays, and as much as 50 cm of snow in some of the harder hit areas.
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Weather Highlights:
This prolonged storm will deliver widespread snow across the southern Prairies, with the heaviest accumulations, ranging from 25–50+ cm, expected in northern and less populated areas
Strong winds accompanying the system will result in extensive blowing snow, reducing visibility and potentially impacting travel
While this event may bring hazardous conditions, the precipitation will provide much-needed moisture as the region prepares for fire season
Be sure to check the road conditions before heading out.
Temperatures drop, and heavy snow picks up across the Prairies through Thursday
A large low pressure system moving northeast from Montana will bring a mix of rain, snow, and strong winds to the Prairies starting Wednesday through the end of the workweek. Significant impacts are expected across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Rainfall is forecast across Alberta on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall developing in the Rockies. By evening, snow will expand into northern Saskatchewan.
Early Thursday, the storm intensifies, bringing sharp temperature drops of nearly 20°C across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Wind gusts of 60–90 km/h and heavy wet snow by Thursday morning could create whiteout conditions and disrupt commutes.
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Southern Saskatchewan, including Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Kindersley, and Assiniboia, may see 5–15 cm of snow by evening. Regina will likely experience rain, with some wet snow possible later.
Atmospheric blocking will slow the storm's movement, causing it to retrograde westward into Alberta by late Thursday.
Snow squalls, narrow and intense, may develop near Edmonton, Cold Lake, and Prince Albert.
Their location remains uncertain, but quick 5–15 cm accumulations are possible, impacting travel with sudden visibility drops.
Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba will face prolonged heavy snowfall, accumulating 30–50+ cm by Friday, easing into Saturday. Stay alert for updates and travel disruptions.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network as we continue to update the forecast for the Prairies.