Intense winds to sweep across the Prairies on Monday and Tuesday
Prepare for tough travel conditions and possible power outages as high winds sweep through parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan
We’re on the lookout for high winds across portions of the southern Prairies to start the new workweek.
Folks throughout southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan should remain alert for gusts that could potentially climb higher than 90 km/h through Tuesday morning.
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Sharp temperature gradient helps fuel high winds
An extreme temperature gradient parked across the western Prairies will help fuel the development of the low-pressure system responsible for whipping up the strong wind gusts.
A deep area of low pressure over central Alberta on Monday afternoon will have moved into southern Manitoba by Tuesday morning.
Temperatures will drop like a rock as cold air funnels in behind the departing system. Edmonton’s temperatures will drop from 3-5°C during the Monday evening commute down close to -20°C for the Tuesday morning commute.
High winds develop and sweep across the Prairies
Monday will be the windiest day of the event. Expect westerly winds to ramp up along the foothills from the Yellowhead south toward the international border.
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Strong southwesterly winds will push into the Calgary area by the middle of Monday afternoon, where gusts to 80 km/h are possible. Some communities in extreme southwestern Alberta, including Lethbridge, could see gusts exceed 100 km/h.
Downsloping winds will help daytime highs in southern Alberta crest well above the freezing mark. Readings in the double digits are in the forecast for many areas.
Strong winds will spread into central and southern Saskatchewan by Monday night, possibly peaking at over 90 km/h by the pre-dawn hours on Tuesday.
Regina, Moose Jaw, and Swift Current are all forecast to gust higher than 80 km/h before the winds finally ease later Tuesday morning.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across the Prairies.