Risk of storms in B.C. and Alberta, summer weather returns

Sunday, September 18, 2016, 2:45 PM - While temperatures were cool enough on the western Prairies to bring high-elevation snow to some communities earlier this week, late summer weather returns to the region this weekend with a risk of thunderstorms for parts of British Columbia and Alberta.

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In fact, cold temperatures helped trigger a few flakes near the city of Calgary, though nothing significant was reported.

"After the frost and freeze early in the week for many areas on the Prairies, late-summer weather returns this weekend," says Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham.

Late-day showers were in the forecast spreading from west to east in Alberta Saturday through the overnight hours, although not a washout. There was a slight chance of an isolated thunderstorm in parts of the province with heavy rain and strong winds being the primary threats.

Meanwhile, temperatures will be feeling more summer-like with some upper 20s possible for southern Alberta.

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Eyes on another potential snow-making system

Meteorologists are watching a new low pressure system next week, which could bring lower freezing levels once again.

There's the risk for widespread snow developing over the Rockies and across the foothills Monday night into Tuesday.

Details remain highly uncertain at this time, but there's the risk for a significant system or two to develop south of the border mid-week and then track east/northeast across the Prairies later in the week.

"Models are really struggling with the pattern, which is being influenced by two strong typhoons this week in the western Pacific," Gillham says. "Below seasonal temperatures will dominate next week and likely beyond."

Unsettled, soggy pattern in B.C.

A system moving into the Central and South Coasts of B.C. will bring rounds of rain, wind and cooler temperatures through the weekend.

"Periods of rain on Saturday will ease to showers [through the] evening as a frontal system moves through," says Weather Network meteorologist Erin Wenckstern.

Sunday will see lingering showers, mainly in the mountains, with mostly cloudy conditions and slightly cooler-than-average temperatures.

"A couple of weak systems will track through the region on Monday and Tuesday, bringing isolated showers to the coast," Wenckstern adds.

Below-seasonal temperatures will continue through the remainder of the week as a pool of cold air sinks over the south coast for Wednesday and onward.

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