Tough day on the roads as heavy snow blasts southern Saskatchewan
Snowfall warnings span southern Saskatchewan as heavy blowing snow challenges drivers through Tuesday
Talk about a freefall into winter. After temperatures soared well above seasonal values just last week, a blast of heavy autumn snow is significantly impacting travel across southern Saskatchewan through the day Tuesday.
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Widespread snowfall warnings are in effect, with 10-15+ cm possible in the hardest hit areas. The system is also bringing in colder temperatures, resulting in local areas of blowing snow. Drivers are being urged to prepare for the quickly deteriorating conditions.
Snowy commute expected through Tuesday
Snowfall began Monday evening in western Saskatchewan, spreading east through the overnight hours. Snow will continue Tuesday morning, giving drivers an extra hurdle to contend with for the commute.
Wind gusts nearing 30-40 km/h may also create blowing snow conditions intermittently, so be sure to leave extra travel time throughout the day.
Accumulations will vary, especially along the south side of the low, but regions along and north of the Trans-Canada Highway can expect the precipitation to remain as snow. That is where 5-20 cm is expected, with heaviest totals being in the western end.
The snow is expected to dissipate by the end of the day.
Cold and more snow for the end of the week
For the rest of the week, however, you will want to keep your jackets close by and consider breaking out your toques as unseasonably cold temperatures settle in.
This may not be the last of the snow, either. Some more mid to late-week snowfall may creep into the southwest.
We're tracking a Montana low that grazes the border, likely bringing another swath of accumulating snowfall to finish off the week. However, there is some uncertainty in how far north the system will track.
Keep checking back to The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather in Saskatchewan.