Arctic air is set to invade Alberta with plunging temperatures into the -20s
Pattern change brings the coldest high temperatures of the season to Alberta this week
The end of January will be a bit rocky across southern Alberta, as a dramatic temperature swing sends daytime highs on a wild ride to finish off the month.
The week started mild, and well above seasonal, with some double-digit high temperatures even spreading into parts of the region by Wednesday. In Calgary, a high of 8°C is forecast, which is 10°C above normal (-2°C) for this time of year.
Arctic air will soon replace the balmy winter weather, however, with temperatures then falling 10 to 20 degrees colder than normal to kick off the weekend, and beyond.
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While the temperature swings will continue during the month February, colder conditions are expected to dominate, and win out.
__Arctic air descends, and temperatures hit coldest values of the season
A mild start to this week will certainly end with a winter chill, as the season pushes back with severe cold spreading across the province.
Sunday and Monday appear the chilliest, with the coldest daytime highs of the season so far expected for most.
Calgary's forecast into the -20s on Sunday and Monday would be a first for the city this entire winter. It would also bring frigid conditions that sit about 20 degrees below normal for the end of January.
For Edmonton, a frigid daytime high of -26°C is forecast on Monday, also putting the city about 20 degrees below seasonal for this time of year.
When you factor in the wind chill, things will be feeling closer to the -30s, which is dangerously cold with any outdoor exposure.
Widespread snow and windy conditions are expected for parts of the Prairies Friday night and Saturday, as well, as low pressure develops east of the Rockies and tracks across the region. The Arctic air plunge south combined with strong winds, threatens difficult travel with blowing and drifting snow at times.
WATCH: Some serious cold is on the way to Alberta
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