Key Takeaways
- Frigid temperatures are expected to affect much of Western Canada on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Snow advisories have been issued for parts of Alberta, with 10-20 cm of snow expected to fall by Christmas morning
- Cold warnings are in effect for parts of Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, with wind chills predicted to reach -45 to -50 C
- The Yukon is expected to experience extreme cold, with wind chills reaching -45 to -55 C
- Temperatures are expected to rise slightly over the weekend, but will still remain below normal for this time of year
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
A snowy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are forecasted for parts of Western Canada, with frigid temperatures and snow advisories issued for several regions. Environment Canada has warned drivers to consider adjusting their travel plans to take into account road conditions, as up to 10-20 cm of snow is expected to fall in Central Alberta by Christmas morning. The snow advisories join cold warnings in effect for parts of Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, where wind chills are predicted to reach -45 to -50 C. The extreme cold has already been affecting the Yukon for several days and is expected to continue through Christmas Eve, with wind chills reaching -45 to -55 C.
The Current Weather Situation
The current weather situation in Western Canada is quite severe, with Arctic air having built up over the territory for the last week and a half. Derek Lee, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, stated that the Arctic air is expected to continue, but some systems are forecasted to roll through the Yukon in the coming days, bringing moisture and cloud cover. This will help keep the temperatures slightly higher than what is currently being experienced. However, the cold is not expected to dissipate completely, and temperatures will likely remain below normal for this time of year, even into the weekend. The cloud cover is expected to sweep over the territory from north to south, helping to keep in some warmer air and raising temperatures by 10-20 degrees.
Regional Weather Forecasts
The regional weather forecasts for Western Canada are quite varied, but all predict severe cold and snowy conditions. In Alberta, snow advisories have been issued, with 10-20 cm of snow expected to fall by Christmas morning. In Manitoba, cold warnings are in effect, with wind chills predicted to reach -45 to -50 C. Saskatchewan is also under a cold warning, with similar wind chill values expected. The Yukon is expected to experience the most extreme cold, with wind chills reaching -45 to -55 C. Even British Columbia’s northern interior is expected to see wind chill values as low as -45 until mid-way through Christmas Day. Drivers are being warned to exercise caution and consider adjusting their travel plans to take into account the road conditions.
Temperature Forecasts
The temperature forecasts for Western Canada are quite bleak, with extremely cold temperatures expected to persist through Christmas Eve and into the weekend. However, there is some hope for a slight rise in temperatures over the weekend. According to Derek Lee, the temperatures are expected to rise by 10-20 degrees, getting out of the negative 50s and into the negative 35 to negative 40 range by the time the weekend arrives. This is still below normal for this time of year, but it will provide some relief from the extreme cold. The cloud cover and moisture brought by the systems rolling through the Yukon are expected to help keep the temperatures slightly higher, but the cold is not expected to dissipate completely.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the weather forecast for Western Canada is quite severe, with frigid temperatures and snow advisories issued for several regions. The extreme cold is expected to persist through Christmas Eve and into the weekend, but there is some hope for a slight rise in temperatures. Drivers are being warned to exercise caution and consider adjusting their travel plans to take into account the road conditions. It is essential to stay informed about the weather forecast and take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during this period. By staying up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings, individuals can plan accordingly and minimize the risks associated with the severe weather conditions.
