Much of the province of Alberta remained under weather warnings or statements on Monday as Environment Canada was forecasting a drastic weather change on Monday evening and through to Tuesday.
Big drop in temperature coming
Many regions were dropped from a province-wide special weather statement issued Sunday, but Albertans were still being advised to prepare for unseasonably cold temperatures, strong north winds and snow.
The daytime highs through parts of Alberta on Tuesday could be 20 degrees colder than Monday’s highs.
As many as 10-25 centimetres of snow were expected in areas like Banff and Lake Louise national parks, with Environment Canada warning that road and travel conditions could be impacted.
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In the statement issued Sunday afternoon, Environment Canada explained a low pressure system was developing in the Yukon Sunday night, and was expected to move into Alberta Monday.
A strong cold front is forecast to come in behind the low, bringing gusty north winds up to 50 km/h, which will rapidly drop temperatures first in the northern portion of the province before moving into southwestern Alberta Tuesday.
“Mixed precipitation will accompany the front, starting with rain and changing quickly over to snow, especially in southwestern Alberta,” said the weather agency.
Daytime highs on Tuesday will be near or below freezing.
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Models suggest Calgary could see as much as nine centimetres of snow by Wednesday night, while areas like Edmonton should avoid any significant accumulation.
Snowfall warning for western Alberta
Snowfall warnings were issued for the Rocky Mountains and Foothills regions of western Alberta, including the areas around Banff, Jasper, Kananaskis and Rocky Mountain House.
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Overall, snowfall with total amounts of 10 to 30 centimetres is expected, the weather agency updated on Monday morning, adding the greatest amounts will be over higher elevations.
“The Highway 93 Icefields Parkway could see 15 to 25 centimetres and a snowfall warning is in effect for the higher elevations,” said Environment Canada.
With the strong wind, rain and then snow, visibility will likely be an issue — especially in those higher areas and along the foothills.
Road conditions in Calgary and through the southwest corner of Alberta could be a concern for the Tuesday morning commute, as the system is expected to move in to those areas overnight.
The snow will end by Tuesday afternoon. For the latest weather watches and warnings click here.
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