Heavy blast of spring snow threatens 30 cm over southern Alberta by Friday
Warnings span southern Alberta with the threat for as much as 30 cm of snow across the region by Friday
Cold air and an inflow of Pacific moisture is making for a very messy start to spring in Alberta.
A multi-day snowfall event, which has sparked widespread snowfall warnings, will continue into Thursday. Dangerous road conditions have already been reported and are likely to remain on Thursday, as snowfall rates pick up once again, especially for areas south of Calgary.
DON’T MISS: Ski hill staff rejoice as spring brings dump of snow to dry winter season
By the time it wraps up Friday, some locales could see up to 30 cm, with Calgary likely seeing as much as 25 cm. By early Thursday morning, 20 cm had already been reported in the city.
The good news, however, is the snow will be hitting areas in desperate need of precipitation amid ongoing drought conditions.
Thursday into Friday: Multi-day snow event continues, travel greatly impacted
Upsloping snow, cold air and an inflow of Pacific moisture will fuel continued snowfall across southern Alberta through Thursday.
Expect the light, fluffy variety of snow since temperatures remain well below freezing, meaning it will continue to pile up quickly. Snowfall rates will pick up again through the day Thursday, especially for areas south of Calgary.
Bursts of locally heavy flurries, blowing snow and reduced visibilities will make for hazardous driving conditions, so drivers are urged to remain cautious and to plan for the changing and deteriorating conditions.
The Trans-Canada and QE2 highways will see more impacts for Thursday commutes.
The snow will continue Thursday evening and overnight, though confined to the foothills and extreme south.
Up to 30 cm of snow is possible through Friday in parts of southern Alberta, marking some of the most significant accumulations we’ve seen in more than six months.
WATCH: Patio weather turns to winter wonderland in Calgary
Drought-busting snowfall amounts?
There is some benefit to this blast of snow, as the highest totals are expected in areas most impacted by extreme drought conditions. Accumulations will help to reduce, but not erase, the precipitation deficit.
Any moisture at this time certainly helps, especially up in the mountains.
Officials say the snowpack is really low for this time of year, which could be a major concern for the wildfire season ahead. A more exceptional amount of snow would be needed however, to help regain soil moisture that's been lost with this winter's warmer temperatures.
Saturday into Sunday: Another low develops, more fluffy snow
By Saturday, another low is set to develop stateside, spilling fluffy snow into Alberta's south once again. The snow will intensify throughout the day, lingering into parts of Sunday, as well.
While much less intense than this mid-week snowy blast, an additional 5-10 cm is still possible from Red Deer to Calgary, with 10-15+ cm expected south of the city.
Winter driving will be put to the test again, as areas along the QE2 south of Calgary, as well as the Trans-Canada Highway, will face deteriorating conditions through Saturday.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on your forecast across Alberta.