Snowfall returns to the Prairies as winter makes a big comeback
Ready or not, wintry weather will return to the Prairies in the days ahead
After the warmest start to February on record across portions of the Prairies, a developing low-pressure system will create opportunities for winter weather to return to the area into next week.
The timing for wintry weather begins late Monday in Alberta, continuing into Wednesday east toward southern Manitoba. Some areas may see blizzard conditions at times.
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Prepare for tough travel through early next week
Conditions will align to create hazardous winter travel across the Prairies beginning Monday night as Arctic air and ample moisture collide late Monday. Periods of snow across Alberta will become more widespread Monday night into Tuesday.
We’ll also see the potential for light freezing drizzle on Monday near the international border.
By Tuesday morning, a band of heavy snow will develop across central Saskatchewan. Peak storm conditions will develop across the province by Tuesday night, with heavy blowing and drifting snow expected.
High winds combined with heavy snow will lead to low visibility, whiteouts, and possible road closures. Sustained winds of 30-40 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, could lead to localized blizzard conditions at times. Expect major travel impacts all day Tuesday across central Alberta and Saskatchewan.
A wintry mix will spread over southwestern Manitoba by Tuesday evening before transitioning over to snowfall, affecting travel across this region as well.
Delays are still expected on Wednesday across Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba as the system lingers across the Prairies, with precipitation gradually easing throughout the day.
Shovellable totals likely for many communities
Snowfall totals remain a bit uncertain at this time, but many areas will likely see enough to affect travel. Even a small amount of snow is dangerous on the roads when high winds create low visibility.
Communities including Red Deer, Edmonton, Cold Lake, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon can expect significant snowfall from this system, with 10-20+ cm of accumulation possible. Southeastern Saskatchewan toward Regina also faces a higher risk of heavy snow.
As of early this weekend, it appears that the lowest snowfall totals are expected in southwestern Saskatchewan, where less than 10 cm is expected.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.