Sudden chill brings risk for October snows to Alberta
A steep temperature drop will precede a risk for accumulating snow across the province through early this week
Prepare for rapidly falling temperatures and a risk for the first major snowfall of the season across parts of Alberta early this week.
While the pattern change is all but assured, confidence is low where the snow will fall and exactly how much communities will see.
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Sunday into next week: sharp temperature drop
Sunday will see mild temperatures across the province, with Calgary hovering around 18 degrees and Lethbridge in the low 20s. Unfortunately, these comfortable conditions aren’t long for the world as an encroaching cold front sweeps through the province.
The cold front will move in during the evening hours, sending overnight lows below freezing for much of the province for much of the week. This is a true sign that fall has arrived in the region and that winter is just around the corner.
Daytime highs will fluctuate for much of the week, with some days as cold as 1°C and some in the south seeing temperatures of 8°C. This is the first real taste of extended cold for the province.
With the cold temperatures in place, a low pressure system is forecast to arrive early next week, bringing the potential for snowfall across much of the province.
Snowfall totals are uncertain at this time—both due to model disagreement and the fact that it’s early in the season. Grassy surfaces, bridges, and vehicles will see accumulations first.
The Trans-Canada, Yellowhead and QE2 highways could all be impacted by this potential snowfall. As this is the first significant snowfall of the season, take caution when driving as it is often surprising when the first snowfall occurs when you might not be expecting it.
High winds across the foothills and southern Alberta could lead to deteriorating driving conditions so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.
SEE ALSO: Why the first snowfall of the season can catch drivers by surprise
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Alberta.