Winter isn’t letting up in 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 snow squalls wreaked havoc across the region through Wednesday, another significant and widespread snowfall is targeting the southern and central Prairies this weekend.
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Snow will fall in circles, making travel conditions difficult at various times starting Friday. While there is still some uncertainty about exact totals and locations, any precipitation that falls with this next storm system will almost certainly be snow. This is when temperatures drop quickly and steadily into negative territory.
Be sure to check the latest forecast updates and stay alert for all weather watches and warnings in your area. Winter driving is not yet a priority for everyone, so it will be important to adapt to the changing conditions, with slippery and snowy roads expected once again.
This weekend:
Another system will move into British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest to end this week, bringing moisture and energy for a low to form downwind of the Rocky Mountains in Montana. Although the system will develop on Saturday, some moisture will spread across the Rockies on Friday, which could lead to snow showers before the storm arrives.
Baron – Snowfall in the Prairies Friday evening – Nov. 21
The first flurry of snow is expected to fall Friday afternoon and evening, with a brief lull expected overnight, before resuming in Alberta and Saskatchewan Saturday morning and afternoon.
At times, snowfall rates will intensify to 1 to 3 cm per hour in some areas.
Baron – Prairie Snowfall Saturday afternoon – November 21
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Strong winds and difficult travel
With the system not yet developed, there is some uncertainty about exact locations and snowfall totals, but so far the most confidence is over southern and central Saskatchewan.
Larger cities like Calgary and Winnipeg are also likely to experience significant snowfall, so this will be something to monitor as the weekend event approaches.
In total, between 10 and 20 cm could affect parts of southern Alberta, while higher amounts exceeding 25 cm threaten southern and central Saskatchewan. Currently, 5 to 10+ cm is forecast for southern Manitoba. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 km/h will cause blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Baron – Total snowfall in the Prairies until Saturday – November 21
Road closures and reduced visibility will be the main threats heading into the weekend, with additional issues from heavy snowfall which could impact the power grid. Be sure to charge devices in advance and have a proper storm plan in place.
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Temperatures take a chilly turn
One thing that is certain is that any precipitation that falls this weekend will be snow.
Temperatures have dropped significantly following the midweek storm and are expected to trend colder across the region through the remainder of November.
Saturday temperatures in Baron – Prairies – November 21
For many, this will be the first time this season that daytime temperatures do not exceed -10°C. Alberta will also face long-term double-digit negative temperatures next week.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest news on conditions across the Prairies.
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