Summer is almost here, but parts of Canada are getting a taste of winter
A quick summer trip might turn into a flashback to February for some Canadians heading outdoors in the days ahead
We're merely days aways from the official start to summer, but some regions in Canada are going back in time several months, weather-wise, as they could see a dose of snowfall early this week.
Why is this happening?
This atmospheric time warp descending on Western Canada is courtesy of an unusually potent upper-level trough digging into the region, bringing enough cold air and plenty of moisture to lead to very heavy snows across parts of British Columbia and Alberta.
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Freezing levels continue to fall as the core of this upper-level low settles into place over B.C. and Alberta.
The snowfall began Sunday at higher elevations, with snowfall possible as low as 2000 m in the Rockies and 1800 m for parts of B.C.’s South Coast.
Snowfall will continue to accumulate Monday and even into the late hours on Tuesday.
Widespread snows will blanket higher elevations from the northern reaches of B.C. south beyond the international border. Portions of the Rockies at the alpine level could be on track to receive up to half a metre of snowfall over the next couple of days. Hikers planning excursions to Banff and/or Jasper National Park could encounter some snowy scenery.
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We’re less than a week away from the summer solstice, the point at which the sun reaches its highest point in the sky across the Northern Hemisphere. The full power of this lofty daytime sunshine will chomp away at those snowfall totals, even with chilly temperatures and thick clouds factored into the equation.
Even so, this will likely prove to be a disruptive event for hikers, campers, and folks hoping to head into the mountains for a day away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Pack plenty of warm clothes and keep a snow shovel and emergency supplies handy if you’re heading into the region during this unusual summertime snowfall.
Lower elevations will manage to avoid this momentary return of wintry weather, but not without some raw conditions of their own.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Western Canada.