Heavy, wet snow in the forecast for southern Alberta this week
It's said April showers bring May flowers — but those flowers might have to wait this year.
Parts of southern Alberta awoke Monday to the news more snow could be on the way to close out the month and usher in the next one.
Environment Canada issued snowfall warnings for many areas west of Calgary — including parts of Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country and the Rocky Mountain foothills — calling for snow starting Monday night and continuing in waves through mid-week.
“Heavy snow is expected tonight and Tuesday morning, with total amounts of 10 to 20 centimetres,” the weather office said Monday, adding the heaviest snow is expected to fall over higher terrain.
“Snow will taper off Tuesday morning, but a second round of heavy snow is expected Tuesday night and Wednesday.”
Wednesday's snow is expected to be more intense, according to Alysa Pederson, a warning preparedness meteorologist for Alberta with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
“Think your spring snow, your big flakes, big wet, fluffy snow,” she said, warning of hazardous travel on the roads west of Calgary. The area is expected to see up to 30 centimetres of snow.
Calgary and other areas of Alberta, from Olds to the U.S. border between Highway 2 and the Rocky Mountains, were placed under a special weather statement, which highlights the possibility of “significant snowfall” this week.
The national weather office is expecting the snow to be heavy and wet. Given the possibility of a rain-snow mix in some areas, total snowfall amounts could vary widely, forecasters said.
However, the weather in Calgary should improve by the weekend, with temperatures expected to recover on Friday and a clear sky forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
The intensity of the system is keeping temperatures low, but as it moves out, an upper ridge moves in, bringing warmer temperatures, according to Pederson.
Pederson said that while the weather this week is “a little bit on the crazier side,” it is not uncommon to see this kind of weather swing in Alberta.