Snowy pattern change threatens Thanksgiving on parts of the Prairies
Snow is expected this Thanksgiving weekend across parts of Western Canada, with temperatures dropping near or below 0°C in Alberta and snowfall accumulations of 2–5 cm likely between Edmonton and Calgary, potentially impacting travel.
A shift to colder conditions this Thanksgiving weekend is set to bring snow across parts of Western Canada, beginning Friday and lasting through Sunday.
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A trough of cold air from northern Canada will dig into the northwest United States, spilling over into British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued snowfall warnings for parts of Alberta ahead of the system, including Hinton, Grande Prairie, Jasper, and Whitecourt.
"Travel will likely be challenging. Visibility will likely be reduced at times. Local utility outages are possible," the agency said. "Allow extra time for travel. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow."
Temperatures plunge across southern Alberta Saturday
Temperatures will drop near or below 0°C in parts of Alberta on Saturday and Sunday, with Saskatchewan sitting at the edge of the cold and southern Manitoba remaining milder.
As the colder air interacts with warmer air to the south, an active storm system will develop.
This will trigger rain, transitioning to snow from central Alberta into northern Saskatchewan. Snowfall will begin late Friday near Hinton, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and Red Deer, with flurries spreading south to Calgary on Saturday.
Accumulations between 2–5 cm are possible this weekend for areas between Edmonton and Calgary, with higher snowfall amounts expected in elevated regions near the foothills and significant accumulations in the Northern Rockies.
We could also see the snowfall overperform in Edmonton, with totals reaching 5-10 cm instead.
These likely represent the season's first snowflakes for large parts of central and southern Alberta, with potential Thanksgiving travel delays due to winter driving conditions.
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While snowfall totals remain uncertain, some accumulation on untreated surfaces is becoming increasingly likely.
Stay updated for the latest weather alerts, and check road conditions before venturing out.
Behind the system, temperatures across Alberta will fall below the freezing mark. Wind chill values will make it feel like the minus double digits on Sunday night.
