There’s no easing into winter across the Prairies this week, as back-to-back storm systems bring plunging temperatures, heavy snow, and brutal driving conditions to parts of the region.
After heavy, blowing snow made a mess of the region through Wednesday, another widespread significant snowfall takes aim at the southern and central Prairies this weekend.
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The snow will come in rounds, challenging travel conditions at different times starting on Friday. While there’s still some uncertainty with exact totals and locations, any precipitation that does fall with this next storm system will definitely be snow. That’s as temperatures take a fast and steady tumble well into the negative territory.
Be sure to check back for the latest forecast updates, and stay alert to all of the weather watches and warnings in your area. Winter driving isn’t at the top of everyone’s minds just yet, so it’ll be important to adjust to the changing conditions, with slick and snowy roads expected once again.
This weekend:
Another system will move into British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest to end this week, bringing in moisture and energy for a low to form lee of the Rockies in Montana. While the system will develop on Saturday, some moisture will spill over the Rockies on Friday, and that could bring some flurries before the storm arrives.
The first burst of snow is forecast to hit Friday afternoon and evening, with a brief lull expected through the overnight hours, before picking up in Alberta and Saskatchewan into Saturday morning and afternoon.
At times, snowfall rates will intensify to 1-3 cm per hour in some areas.
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Gusty winds and difficult travel
With the system still yet to develop, there’s some uncertainty with exact locations and snowfall totals, but so far the greatest confidence hovers over southern and central Saskatchewan.
Major cities like Calgary and Winnipeg are at risk of some impactful snowfall, as well, so it’ll be something to watch as the weekend event draws nearer.
In all, between 10-20 cm could hit parts of southern Alberta, while higher amounts exceeding 25 cm threaten southern and central Saskatchewan. Currently, 5-10+ cm is forecast for southern Manitoba. Breezy wind gusts of 30-40 km/h will cause blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Road closures and reduced visibilities will be main threats heading into the weekend once again, as well as additional issues with heavy snow possibly impacting the power grid. Be sure to charge devices ahead of time, and have a proper storm plan in place.
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Temperatures take a frigid turn
One thing is for certain, and that’s any precipitation that falls this weekend will be snow.
Temperatures have dropped significantly in the wake of the mid-week storm, and are expected to trend colder across the region during the rest of November.
For many, this will be the first time this season that daytime highs don’t warm above -10°C. Alberta will also be looking at minus double-digit temperatures going forward into the long range next week.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.