Drivers beware. Winter conditions take aim at parts of Alberta and southern Saskatchewan on Tuesday, as a low pressure system sweeps across the region, and chilly northwesterly air sinks in.
Snowfall warnings are in effect, with the risk for dicey travel conditions in areas of heavy, blowing snow.
“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow,” says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the snow warning.
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The heaviest snow totals are expected across the Alberta and Saskatchewan border, where as much as 10-15+ cm could pile up through Tuesday.
Snow intensifies through Tuesday, risk of poor visibility with gusty winds
For many areas across the western Prairies, Tuesday’s snowfall will be the first accumulating snow of the season. That means travel could be especially tricky, as drivers navigate through the deteriorating conditions.
Precipitation pushed into Alberta during the pre-dawn hours on Tuesday, and as temperatures drop, a messy mixture of rain and flurries will impact the province’s capital region. The ratio of rain to snow, as well as temperature, will ultimately determine how much snow stays on the ground.
From Edmonton to Medicine Hat, 3+ cm accumulations are expected before easing through the evening hours.
The snowy potential will be greater along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border on Tuesday, with cooler temperatures and less rain interruptions expected.
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Rain transitions into snowfall for southern Saskatchewan, including Regina, during the afternoon and evening hours.
Between 10-15 cm of snowfall is possible along the Trans-Canada Highway between Medicine Hat and Swift Current, Sask., with localized amounts possibly exceeding 20 cm, particularly over the Cypress Hills.
The snow will be paired with gusty conditions, with winds blowing between 50-70+ km/h. This will cause locally poor visibility in blowing snow throughout the day, especially south of Highway 1.
“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” ECCC adds.
Beyond Tuesday’s snow, temperatures will be on a steady rise by the end of the week thanks to a southerly flow and high pressure moving in. Mostly fair weather is expected through Saturday before becoming more unsettled late weekend and into early next week.
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Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across the Prairies.