Alberta: Avalanche threat and watching for potentially strong winds
Strong winds and an avalanche risk across parts of Alberta
It's about to get windy in parts of Alberta with a potent system moving in from B.C. On Friday, wind gusts could approach or even exceed 100 km/h in some southern locales near the U.S border. This could cause damage and cause problems for those travelling on local highways in the region. On the plus side, temperatures will remain mild. For more on the timing of the powerful gusts, plus a look at the warmup for the first half of the weekend, read below.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Winds will pick up in southern Alberta Thursday overnight, will increase through the pre-dawn hours on Friday
Winds will strengthen west to east, with a potential for 100+ km/h gusts near the U.S. border
Downsloping winds also ushering in warmer temperatures
Stay up-to-date on the ALERTS in your area
FRIDAY -- WINDS PICK UP, COULD BE DAMAGING
A strong system in B.C. will move into the province and help downsloping winds develop along the Rockies, potentially producing damaging gusts across southern Alberta through Friday.
The winds really start to increase through the overnight hours Thursday, continuing to intensify during the day on Friday. The strongest gusts of up to 100 km/h, or higher, are possible for areas near the U.S. border on Friday afternoon, making for difficult travel conditions.
Although Calgary will avoid the 100+ km/h gusts, a windy day isn't out of the question. South of Calgary is where the winds will pick up in the pre-dawn hours Friday, starting along the foothills.
The winds will gradually ease off by Friday evening, though will remain strong in extreme southwestern sections of the province on Saturday.
WINDS RAISE AVALANCHE DANGER
In addition to the strong winds, the downsloping flow will keep conditions dry across the south with this system, but with a swath of heavy snow expected for the higher terrain of the Columbia and Rocky Mountains -- raising the risk for possible avalanches.
"The combination of wind and snow could elevate the avalanche dangers, so keep that in mind if you're planning on heading into the mountains over this weekend," warns The Weather Network's Kyle Brittain.
The one benefit to the downsloping winds will be the rise in temperatures, which could climb close to or hit double digits around Lethbridge.
WATCH BELOW: KYLE BRITTAIN HEARS SCARY SOUND INDICATING AVALANCHE DANGER UNDER HIS FEET
On the plus side, temperatures are expected to be eight degrees above seasonal -- possibly reaching the double digits in places such as Lethbridge on Friday, while Calgary will likely sit closer to 5°C.
