Warmest air of 2025 (so far) will rush into southern Alberta this week
A rush of Pacific air over the Rockies could bring some of the warmest temperatures of 2025 so far to southern Alberta
After an extremely cold start to February across Western Canada, the month is about to end on an extremely opposite note in Alberta.
A rush of air coming from the Pacific Ocean will be forced up and over the Rocky Mountains on Thursday. As the air quickly descends from the Rockies, it will rapidly warm up the region around it. These are known as chinook winds.
While conditions are forecast to be pleasant across Alberta on Thursday, the chinook winds will produce strong 80-100 km/h gusts across the foothills, bringing travel troubles to any large trucks travelling across the region.
The winds will send temperatures soaring into the low- to mid-teens on Thursday. Most temperature milestones achieved so far this year for warmth will be quickly beat out.
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Lethbridge, Alta., recently reached its warmest day of the year so far on Feb. 23 when thermometers reached 12°C. However, Thursday is forecast to reach 16°C--a temperature we would expect to start seeing in mid- to late-spring!
Medicine Hat, Alta., is also expected to reach a new high for the year, beating out Tuesday's high of 10.4°C, as the forecast high for Thursday is expected to be 14°C.
The only questionable milestone we'll have to keep an eye on is Calgary, where the warmest day of 2025 so far was on Jan. 28, when temperatures reached 12.8°C. Thursday is forecast to only reach 12°C, but we'll have to wait and see what the final reading will be.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba won't be sharing in the warmth, however, as Arctic air is expected to descend upon the eastern Prairies to close out the week and month.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Alberta.