Season rewind in Alberta as snow, cold temperatures invade Alberta
Snowfall warnings and special weather statements are in effect for parts of southern Alberta as a swath of wintry impacts will push through, likely to disrupt travel
An abrupt change to the weather is on the way for southern Alberta after a stretch of above-average spring temperatures.
Hopefully, residents haven't put away the winter gear and snow-clearing equipment for the season. Some areas could see 15 cm of snow by the time it wraps up.
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Snowfall warnings and special weather statements are in effect. The snow won't be the only issue to contend with for residents.
Winds will be gusty, so visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead and to adapt to the changing weather.
Tuesday: Winter makes a comeback as rain changes to snow
A weak trough developed across southern Alberta as an upper trough moved across the province and B.C. Precipitation will increase across southern Alberta Tuesday morning, with periods of snowfall continuing into Wednesday morning. The system will reach Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Wednesday.
Bursts of wet snow, though not persistent, will pick up around the city of Calgary, Alta., on Tuesday morning, made worse by gusty, northwesterly winds up to 60 km/h.
While snowfall totals are still somewhat uncertain, between 5-10 cm is possible in some areas by Wednesday morning. Even heavier amounts up to 15 cm could fall across the foothills, prompting snowfall warnings for communities there.
Near and in Calgary, totals could range from less than 5 cm to upwards of 15 cm in the west end, favouring higher elevation areas to the west.
"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Be prepared to deal with changing road conditions that deteriorate quickly," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the snowfall warning.
"If visibility is reduced while you are driving, slow down, watch the taillights of vehicles in front of you, and be prepared to stop."
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In addition to the snow and winds, a brisk wind chill will return, with daytime highs feeling like -1 to -3 early this week. Likely not the mid-April temperatures most were hoping for.
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Alberta.
