Long-duration Prairie blizzard on tap this week, travel not advised
A significant storm approaching the eastern Prairies this week could hammer the region with several days of blizzard conditions.
We’re staring down the prospect of a significant snowstorm for portions of the Prairies this week. Blustery winds and heavy snow will make travel difficult–if not impossible–for parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northwestern Ontario as we head into the middle of the week. Prepare now for blizzard conditions. More on the timing and what you can expect, below.
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THIS WEEK: COLD FILTERS ACROSS THE PRAIRIES, ALL EYES ON POTENT SNOWSTORM IN THE EAST
A trough plunging over the Prairies will continue pushing east as we head into the new workweek. This trough will spread chilly air over the region, and this unseasonable chill will reach the eastern Prairies by mid-week–just in time to meet up with our next major storm system.
Temperatures plunging well below seasonal will set the stage for a major snowstorm for parts of southeastern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, and northwestern Ontario during the latter half of the week.
A Colorado low will rapidly intensify as it tracks into the U.S. Midwest and eventually pulls into Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. This will be a disruptive system south of the border, with the threat for blizzard conditions across the northern Plains and several days of severe thunderstorms for the southern half of the Plains and the Deep South states.
A deep reserve of Gulf moisture meeting up with subfreezing air over the Prairies will lead to an extended period of snow for the region on Wednesday and Thursday.
This has the potential to be a high-impact storm with steep snowfall totals and gusty winds that could lead to periods of whiteout conditions for many areas. Special weather statements are already in place in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The potential for reduced visibility and whiteout conditions would significantly disrupt travel along a stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway on the Canadian side of the border. Power outages, road closures, and school cancellations are also possible.
While the exact track of the storm is still a bit uncertain, models are agreeing on mostly rain for Thunder Bay, Ontario, with a rain-snow mix possible. The heaviest snow will fall across southern Manitoba on Wednesday and Thursday.
Widespread totals of 20-40 cm are possible, with a few spots possibly picking up as much as 60 cm of snow. The broad scope and slow movement of this storm means that this will be a prolonged snow event, with snow lasting for up to 48 hours in some areas.
If the snowfall does pan out, the precipitation could have negative implications for the Red River flooding potential.
The good news is that cold won't be sticking around for an extended period of time, as it often did in the winter. It looks like milder Pacific air will return to the Prairies the week after next.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.