Snowstorm alert: Alberta braces for heavy snowfall this weekend

Winter weather warning for Alberta

As Alberta gears up for a potentially severe winter storm, residents are advised to keep their snow shovels and brushes at the ready. This week has already seen significant snowfall, particularly in Calgary, where approximately 15-20 cm fell, primarily on Monday. Meteorologists are predicting three additional waves of snow, starting Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday. The first wave alone could bring an extra 5 cm, with total accumulations in Calgary potentially reaching 10-15 cm by Saturday night.

Areas most affected by the storm

Southern Alberta, especially the Lethbridge area, is expected to bear the brunt of this winter weather, with forecasts indicating up to 30 cm of snow by Sunday morning. The Medicine Hat region is also on alert, anticipating heavy snowfall that could add up to 20 cm by the time the storm subsides. While snowfall warnings are typically issued when 10 cm or more falls within a 12-hour period, the current predictions suggest that some areas may not meet this threshold despite significant accumulations.

Understanding the weather patterns

The incoming weather system is linked to a Pacific bomb cyclone that recently impacted British Columbia, causing heavy rains and widespread power outages. This system is now moving eastward, bringing with it subtropical moisture that will fuel further snow in Alberta. Although Alberta may not experience the intense winds seen in B.C., gusts of up to 50 km/h are expected as the storm progresses. Temperatures are also set to drop significantly, with Edmonton forecasted to reach lows of -23°C and Calgary dipping to -20°C overnight on Sunday. These frigid temperatures are a stark contrast to the usual averages for this time of year, which hover around -11°C overnight and a daytime high of -1°C.

As we move deeper into winter, meteorologists are warning that this is just the beginning. With predictions of a La Niña winter, residents should prepare for more snow and colder temperatures in the weeks ahead. For those looking to stay updated on the latest weather developments, downloading a weather app can provide real-time alerts and forecasts.