Key Takeaways:
- A new storm system is expected to hit southern Alberta, bringing heavy snowfall and low temperatures
- The heaviest snowfall is expected in the southern foothills and extreme southerly parts of the province, with up to 25 cm of snow forecasted
- Temperatures are expected to plunge, with daytime highs around -10 C on Friday and Saturday, and overnight temperatures potentially dipping to near -20 C
- The sudden arrival of winter is being blamed on the ‘polar vortex’, a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the north pole
- Environment Canada is predicting a weak La Nina to develop, which could lead to cooler temperatures and snowier patterns for the winter months
Introduction to the Storm System
A new storm system is bearing down on southern Alberta, just days after the region experienced its first big snowfall of the winter. Environment Canada is forecasting snow to start falling on Thursday afternoon in the form of flurries for Edmonton and Calgary, while more southerly communities such as Lethbridge and Medicine Hat are expected to see heavier snowfall. According to Global News weather specialist Phil Darlington, the snow will move up from the southwest and reach the Calgary area by the late supper hour, eventually covering most of the region. The snow is expected to taper off by Friday morning, but commuters are advised to take their time on Friday morning as the roads may be slippery.
Snowfall and Temperature Forecast
The heaviest snowfall is expected to fall over the extreme southerly parts of Alberta, with between 15 and 25 centimeters of snow forecasted for Lethbridge and into the foothills. Some areas of the southern foothills and extreme southerly parts of the province could get up to 25 cm of snow by the time the snow starts to taper off on Friday night. The temperatures are also expected to plunge, with the daytime high forecast to be around -10 C on Friday and Saturday, well below the normal daytime high of around zero at this time of year. Overnight temperatures in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat could also dip to near -20 C, about 10 degrees below normal.
The Polar Vortex and Its Impact
The sudden arrival of winter is being blamed on the ‘polar vortex’, a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the north pole that is sending abnormally cold and stormy weather into the more populated areas of North America. According to Environment Canada meteorologist Alysa Pederson, the polar vortex is a normal phenomenon that exists around the north pole, but sometimes weakens, allowing cold air to slump south and impact parts of southern Canada. This weakening of the jet stream is what creates the vortex, and it can have a significant impact on the weather in North America.
Long-Term Forecast and La Nina
Over the longer range, Environment Canada is predicting a weak La Nina to develop, which could lead to cooler temperatures and snowier patterns for the winter months. La Nina typically means cooler temperatures and snowier patterns for the winter months, and Environment Canada’s longer-range forecasts are indicating that December, January, and February will be cooler than normal. In fact, the seasonal forecast from Environment Canada predicts higher-than-normal snowfall amounts over much of Alberta for the months of December, January, and February. This could lead to a couple of days in December where the daytime highs dip to -20 C.
Conclusion and Preparations
In conclusion, the new storm system is expected to bring heavy snowfall and low temperatures to southern Alberta, and commuters are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe on the roads. The polar vortex is being blamed for the sudden arrival of winter, and Environment Canada is predicting a weak La Nina to develop, which could lead to a cooler and snowier winter. It is essential for residents to stay informed about the weather forecast and take necessary steps to prepare for the winter months ahead. By understanding the weather patterns and taking necessary precautions, residents can stay safe and enjoy the winter season.