Key Takeaways
- Much of north and southeastern Alberta is expected to experience wintry weather, with snowfall totals ranging from 15 to 30 centimetres.
- A winter storm watch has been issued for areas south of Edmonton, including Red Deer and Medicine Hat, with potential for heavy rain, strong winds, and flurries.
- Environment Canada has issued various weather warnings, watches, and special weather statements covering much of western Canada.
- The weather system is expected to move into the area late Monday and begin tapering off Tuesday morning.
- Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling, particularly on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) between Lake Louise and Jasper.
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
A significant winter storm is expected to hit parts of north and southeastern Alberta on Monday, bringing with it a substantial amount of snow and hazardous driving conditions. According to Environment Canada, the Peace Region, which includes areas such as Grande Prairie and Athabasca, can expect to see snowfall totals ranging from 15 to 30 centimetres. This weather system is expected to persist, with only occasional breaks in the snowfall, until later in the day on Monday.
Regional Weather Variations
In addition to the snowfall expected in the Peace Region, areas south of Edmonton, such as Red Deer and Medicine Hat, are under a winter storm watch. This watch warns of potential heavy rain, strong winds, and flurries, which could make driving conditions difficult and hazardous. Meanwhile, the forecast for Calgary and Lethbridge is less severe, with only a few flurries or showers expected starting on Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. However, a wind warning has been issued for southwestern parts of the province, with gusts of up to 80 km/hr expected in the Lethbridge area and up to 100 km/hr in the Crowsnest Pass.
Weather Warnings and Watches
Environment Canada has issued a range of weather warnings, watches, and special weather statements covering much of western Canada. A heavy snowfall warning has been issued for the area around Banff, with up to 15 centimetres of snow expected before the system begins to taper off on Tuesday morning. Furthermore, a warning has been issued for motorists planning to travel the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) between Lake Louise and Jasper, advising them to be prepared for difficult and rapidly changing driving conditions as the snow accumulates.
Travel and Safety Precautions
Given the hazardous driving conditions expected, Environment Canada is encouraging people to postpone any travel plans until the weather system has passed. For those who must travel, it is essential to exercise caution and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. The weather system is expected to move into the area late on Monday and begin to taper off on Tuesday morning, with accumulated snowfall totals depending on the location within the Edmonton region.
Regional Impact and Current Situation
As of the current time, the weather system is still developing, and the full impact on the region is yet to be determined. However, with the issuance of various weather warnings and watches, it is clear that this system has the potential to cause significant disruptions to daily life. Residents and travelers alike are advised to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Global Edmonton traffic and weather reporter Daintre Christensen notes that the system will bring a "big band of precipitation" covering a significant swath of central and northern Alberta, resulting in accumulated snowfall totals of approximately 12 centimeters by Thursday morning.