No escape from winter on the Prairies as snowy system jeopardizes commutes
Bitter cold and heavy snow spreads across the Prairies this week, jeopardizing commute times on Wednesday and Thursday
A frigid pattern will dominate the Prairies for the next few weeks, with temperatures typically running 10 to 25 degrees colder-than-normal. With the Arctic air being resupplied to the region, the chance for snow increases at times throughout this week.
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Another system tracked south of the border on Wednesday, bringing a heavier swath of snow to the eastern Prairies.
Drivers are urged to brace for the changing conditions, as the freshly fallen snow combined with gusty winds could impact visibility at times.
Stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts in your area, and be sure to always check highway conditions before heading out.
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Through Thursday morning:
Wednesday's snow was the heaviest for southern Saskatchewan in the afternoon, where commute times were jeopardized as people headed home from school and work.
The snow gradually spread into southern Manitoba through the evening, persisting into the overnight hours, as well.
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In all, a widespread 10-15 cm of snow is forecast, with some of the harder-hit areas of southern and central Saskatchewan in line to pick up as much as 20 cm.
Luckily, the strongest wind gusts, which are forecast to be 40-60 km/h, will occur as the snow is ending on Thursday afternoon, but this will still lead to drifting snow with the fresh fluffy snow that has just fallen.
Reduced visibility is expected once the winds pick up.
Bitterly cold daytime 'highs'
The frigid pattern remains locked into place, with temperatures dipping into the -30s and daytime highs only 'warming' to the -20s. Extreme cold warnings cover much of the western Prairies.
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"Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning. "If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside."
Outdoor workers should also take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.
No major storms are in sight beyond Thursday, as Arctic high pressure will dominate the region. Some upslope snow is possible Sunday and Sunday night for southwestern Alberta.
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Be sure to check back for your latest weather updates across the Prairies