Thursday's Snowfall in Alberta Just a Precursor to a Larger Storm That Will Close Out January and Start February

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Enjoy the mild temperatures will they last, with the return of more winter-like conditions in Central and Southern Alberta expected to finish the month of January. Things will kick off with a band of snow crossing parts of Northern and Central Alberta on Thursday, followed by a much larger system that will impact a greater portion of Alberta and moving through the Prairies beginning Friday morning.

Light, patchy snow will begin later Wednedsay evening in the Grande Cache area and will slowly spread eastward towards Edmonton overnight and through Thursday morning and early afternoon. The snow will start to dissipate in the late afternoon from east to west, and likely spread a bit southward closer to the Rockies, before completely tapering off around midnight. This pattern will result in widespread 5-10cm, but greater snowfall accumulations, above 10cm, are expected in areas like Edson and Whitecourt and less than 5cm towards the Saskatchewan border.

To the north, in the Peace River region, an additional area of snow will develop in the pre-dawn hours Thursday and settle over the area until the mid-afternoon, leading to up to 10cm of accumulation before tapering off as well.

This brief snowfall event can be considered an appetizer to the main event that is set to begin early Friday morning and continue in Alberta until late Sunday or early Monday. A detailed forecast will be issued Thursday afternoon.

Arctic Blast Across Canada With Potentially Coldest Air in Years; Dangerous Wind Chills Near -40°C Possible Next Week

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Get ready for a major Arctic chill as some of the coldest air in over a year is set to spread across much of Canada over the next week.

This icy blast will originate in the Arctic and surge into Central and Eastern Canada, causing temperatures to plummet to dangerously low levels. Wind chills could drop to between -30°C and -40°C—or even lower—in several regions by early next week.

This extensive polar plunge will impact much of Canada and even stretch into parts of the United States. Over the next five to seven days, nearly everyone will feel the chill in some capacity.

The Prairies will be the first to experience this frigid air as it arrives late Friday into Saturday. By early next week, the cold will spread eastward into Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, blanketing nearly all of the country in sub-zero temperatures. The cold snap is expected to last for a few days, but relief will arrive with more seasonal air by mid to late next week.

SATURDAY

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In Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the cold will start to settle in Friday night and intensify into Saturday morning. Temperatures will plunge below -20°C and could approach -30°C in some areas, even before factoring in the wind chill.

The coldest conditions will hit northern areas like Fort McMurray and Thompson, where wind chills could make it feel like -40°C to -45°C.

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Most of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, excluding Winnipeg, will see wind chills between -35°C and -40°C. Winnipeg and Edmonton will feel slightly less severe, with wind chills in the low to mid -30s, while Calgary will range from -25°C to -30°C.

Northern Ontario will also begin to feel the chill, with wind chills making it feel close to -30°C in places like Thunder Bay by Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, Southern Ontario will enjoy one last relatively mild day on Saturday, with temperatures near the freezing mark. However, the arrival of the Arctic air could bring a flash freeze late Saturday in Northeastern and Southern Ontario. Rapidly dropping temperatures may lead to icy road conditions, so caution is advised.

SUNDAY

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By Sunday morning, the cold air will deepen across the Prairies, bringing wind chills into the -40s for much of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This includes locations like Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Saskatoon, Regina, and Thompson.

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Winnipeg and Calgary will be slightly less frigid, with wind chills closer to -30°C to -35°C, though colder temperatures are expected by Monday morning.

Ontario will also see temperatures drop sharply by Sunday morning. Northern Ontario will experience bitterly cold air, with actual temperatures between -20°C and -30°C and wind chills closer to -40°C in the northernmost areas.

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Southern Ontario will see temperatures ranging from -10°C to -20°C, with the coldest air in Central and Eastern Ontario. Wind chills in Northern sections of Southern Ontario could approach -30°C, while Southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe will feel like -20°C to -25°C.

The arrival of Arctic air could also reignite lake-effect snow squalls early next week. Snowbelt regions around Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay could see heavy snowfall as a result. More details on this will be provided in a separate forecast.

STAYING SAFE IN THE EXTREME COLD

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Extreme cold can pose significant risks to safety and health, especially when wind chill intensifies the freezing temperatures. Even moderate wind speeds can dramatically lower the "feels like" temperature, increasing the risk of frostbite.

When wind chill drops below -27°C, exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes or less. At extreme levels, such as -40°C or colder, frostbite can occur in as little as 5-10 minutes.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, limit time spent outdoors during these dangerous conditions. If you must go outside, dress in multiple layers of loose-fitting, insulated clothing.

Make sure to cover all exposed skin with hats, scarves, gloves, and insulated boots. A windproof outer layer is essential to reduce the effects of cold winds.

Pay attention to frostbite warning signs, including numbness, tingling, or a loss of colour in fingers, toes, nose, or ears. If you suspect frostbite, immediately move to a warm location and avoid rubbing the affected area, as this can worsen tissue damage.

Hypothermia is another serious concern; symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. Seek medical attention if hypothermia or frostbite is suspected.

For those driving during extreme cold, always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials such as blankets, extra clothing, food, and water.

Ensure your phone is fully charged, and let someone know your travel plans. Avoid leaving pets outdoors for extended periods, as they are equally susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.

MONDAY

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The worst of the cold will likely occur Monday morning, especially in the west, with Arctic air entrenched across much of Central and Eastern Canada. Temperatures near or below -30°C will stretch from Alberta to Western Quebec.

Wind chills could make it feel like -40°C or colder across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northern Ontario, and parts of Eastern Alberta and Western Quebec. Calgary and Edmonton will escape the worst, but wind chills will still hover around -35°C.

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In Southern Ontario, most areas will see temperatures near -20°C, with Central and Southwestern Ontario experiencing the coldest air. Wind chills will make it feel like -25°C to -35°C, a pattern also expected in Montreal and Quebec City.

Atlantic Canada will begin to feel the polar plunge by Monday morning. Wind chills will drop to around -25°C in Northern New Brunswick, while Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia will remain slightly milder, with wind chills ranging from -5°C to -15°C.

TUESDAY

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By Tuesday morning, the coldest air will shift further east, bringing some relief to the Prairies. Alberta will see temperatures climb back into the single digits, with wind chills in the teens.

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Eastern Saskatchewan will remain colder, with wind chills near -25°C to -30°C, while western regions warm slightly. Manitoba will also improve, though wind chills will still range from -30°C to -35°C, particularly near the Ontario border.

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Tuesday is likely to be the coldest day for Ontario, as the Arctic air peaks over the province. Northern Ontario will see temperatures between -30°C and -40°C, with wind chills plunging well into the -40s.

Southern Ontario will experience temperatures from -20°C to -30°C, with wind chills making it feel like -35°C to -40°C in Central Ontario and the Ottawa Valley, and -30°C to -35°C elsewhere.

Montreal and Quebec City will endure similarly bitter conditions, with wind chills of -35°C or lower. Central and Western Quebec will feel even colder, with wind chills dropping below -40°C.

Atlantic Canada will also face its coldest morning on Tuesday. Wind chills will range from -35°C in Northern New Brunswick to the -20s in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

WEDNESDAY

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Wednesday morning will bring one final bitterly cold start for much of Eastern Canada, but signs of improvement will begin to appear.

Southwestern Ontario, including Windsor, Sarnia, and London, could see wind chills near -35°C or even -40°C. Northern Ontario will finally climb above -30°C wind chills for the first time in days, marking the beginning of a warming trend.

Quebec will remain very cold, with wind chills near -40°C in some areas, while Montreal and Quebec City will continue to see wind chills of -35°C.

Atlantic Canada will face another cold morning, with wind chills between -20°C and -35°C.

Most of Eastern Canada will see a reprieve from the extreme cold by Thursday morning. However, this may only be temporary, as long-range models suggest another Arctic surge could arrive late next week into the weekend. Stay tuned for updates.

A Brief Skiff of Snow Expected Across Parts of Southern Alberta & Saskatchewan for the First Weekend of the New Year

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It’s been fairly quiet across the Prairies for the past few weeks and that trend has continued so far in the beginning of the new year. As we approach the first weekend of the year, there’s enough snow expected for parts of Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan over the next 24 hours to warrant a forecast.

The snow will begin to fall along the American border in Alberta early this evening and it will gradually spread north and eastward overnight and early Saturday morning. It is only going to reach as far north as Calgary and into Southwest Saskatchewan before the system starts to fall apart before sunrise Saturday morning. The snow will gradually taper off throughout the morning and into the early afternoon.

The snow is expected to be light throughout the duration of the event, leading to most of the area receiving 5-10cm of accumulation. As the system falls apart Saturday morning, the snow is expected to linger over parts of Southeast Alberta and Southwest Saskatchewan, resulting in over 10cm of snowfall here.

A White Christmas is in the Forecast for Most of the Prairies, Odds are Not Good in Southern Alberta

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The second half of November and all through December have been marked by a series of snowstorms and periods of frigid temperatures across the Prairies. With Christmas only four days away, the odds of a White Christmas are becoming clearer.

According to Environment Canada, in order for an area to have a White Christmas, there needs to be at least 2cm of snow on the ground as of 7am on Christmas Day. This is typically an easy threshold to cross in the Prairies and it appears that this year will be no different for most, but not all.

Currently, the snowpack is considerable across the Prairies, at least 10cm deep across a majority of the regions and large swatch where the snow is over 20cm in all three provinces. There are a few pockets where this is the exception, particularly in Southern Alberta where warm temperatures early in the week have resulting in little to no snow on the ground. Looking ahead over the next few days, some warmer air and a mix of rain and freezing rain will decrease the likelihood of a White Christmas for some.

Modelled Snow depths as of Saturday, December 21st at 6am CT.

Manitoba

Northern Manitoba may see some scattered flurries this evening and overnight and again Tuesday morning. Otherwise, there is no other fresh snow expected between now and Wednesday morning. Temperatures will remain below freezing across the province until Christmas morning so no melting of the existing snow is expected. As a result, all of Manitoba can expect a White Christmas.

Saskatchewan

Like Manitoba, Northern Saskatchewan may see scattered flurries over the next few days, but no significant snowfall is expected. There is, however, a threat to White Christmas chances in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Early Sunday morning, temperatures in this area will climb to above freezing and will stay there throughout most of the day. Not only will this melt some of the limited snowpack in the area, a mix of rain and freezing rain will also result in melting. Temperatures are expected to rise once again on both Monday and Tuesday. With no additional snow in the forecast, a White Christmas can not be guaranteed in this area, but it is not completely ruled out.

Alberta

The chances for a White Christmas will vary across Alberta. A large part of Southern Alberta already has less than 5cm of snow on the ground and daily highs in the single digits between now and Christmas significantly impact the chances of a White Christmas here. The relative warmth will also stretch northward, just east of the Rockies over the coming days, but the greater snowpack and temperatures only reaching a degree or two above freezing will keep the hopes for a White Christmas alive.

The only fresh snow in the forecast for the province will be isolated to the Mountains and far Northern Alberta. There’s the chance for some rain to cross through Southern Alberta overnight and through Sunday morning which will further hinder the likelihood of a White Christmas in the area.

Please keep in mind that this is just a preliminary forecast and is based on current data. The forecast will be updated over the coming days, with the final forecast set to be posted on Christmas Eve. Make sure to stay tuned!

Winter Storm Could Dump Over 20cm of Snow on Parts of the Prairies Starting Wednesday

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The latest winter storm set to impact the Prairies will bring heavy snow across a wide stretch of the region, from Grande Prairie into Southwestern Manitoba, over the next two days. The storm will also bring strong wind gusts, particularly in Southern Alberta, and the threat of mixed precipitation in Southwestern Saskatchewan.

Alberta

The storm will cross into Alberta through the Rockies early Wednesday morning. The snow will chart a continuous path as it pushes through the Rockies in the north, however to the south it will start to develop further east of the Mountains and while a few centimetres may fall, it will essentially skip over parts of Southern Alberta, including Calgary.

By around sunrise, the snow will spread across Central Alberta and into the Southeast corner of the province, where it will sit throughout the afternoon. The snow will be heavy at times, falling at up to 2cm per hour, which will lead to a widespread 10-20cm of snow falling by the end of the day from Grande Prairie, southeastward through Edmonton, and beyond the Saskatchewan border.

The snow will start to taper off from west to east in the late afternoon as the storm continues to track eastward and eventually ending in the evening, aside from some lingering scattered flurries.

There will be some strong wind gusts associated with this storm, up to 100km/h, but they are expected to be mostly isolated to the Southern Rockies and the Foothills, away from the heavy snow. Gusts of 40-60km/h are likely across the rest of Southern Alberta so blowing snow may be a concern, especially closer to the Saskatchewan border.

Saskatchewan

The leading edge of the snow will push its way into Southwestern Saskatchewan before sunrise Wednesday and it will spread eastward into the province through the morning and early afternoon. At that point, the band of snow will remain relatively stationary for several hours. It will also intensify over parts of Southern and Central Saskatchewan, leading to snowfall rates up 3cm per hour that will result in an area from Kindersley to Estevan seeing over 20cm of snow. Outside of this swath of the heaviest snow, much of the southern half of Saskatchewan can expect at least 5cm of fresh snow.

In the early afternoon, as the backside of the band of snow crosses into the province, some warm air will push in from the south. Temperatures on the ground will remain below freezing, but it will be warm enough aloft to result in freezing rain and/or ice pellets in Southwest Saskatchewan through the afternoon and into the evening.

The wind will also be a concern across Southern Saskatchewan and could result in reduced visibility due to blowing snow in the evening as gusts approach 80km/h. These conditions could very likely lead to highway closures across the region so keep that in mind when travelling in the area. The snow will start to make its way out of Saskatchewan in the evening and gradually diminishing across the province overnight and into the morning.

Manitoba

The storm will reach Manitoba by Wednesday evening, with snow starting in the Westman Region and extending deeper into the province through the rest of the evening and overnight.

Given the storm’s overall southeastward trajectory, the Southwestern portion of Manitoba can expect to be the most impacted. The snow will remain steady across this area overnight and into the morning, resulting in 5-20cm of snowfall. The greatest snowfall is expected in the southwest corner of the province and includes Boissevain, Killarney, and Virden. During the morning, the snow will start to spread further eastward towards the Ontario border, briefly bringing some light snow into the Winnipeg area before the storm completely exists the region by the lunch hour.

Widespread Temperatures Below -30°C and Windchills Approaching -45°C Have Prompted More Extreme Cold Warnings

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The extreme cold continues across Saskatchewan and Manitoba overnight tonight and through to tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, it will be colder than this morning, and a much larger area can expect temperatures below -30°C to settle in after midnight and continue until the late morning.

This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.

The winds are expected be light again, at around 10-15km/h, as the temperatures reach their lowest point. With the even colder air than this morning, these light winds are going to result in windchills that are approaching -45°C. The coldest windchills are expected in the Westman Region, but windchills below -40°C will still be felt over a significant area. As a result, Environment Canada has issued more widespread Extreme Cold Warnings than last night, stretching from Saskatoon and into Northern Ontario.

At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes, and in some areas close to 10 minutes, so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

Extreme Cold Makes Its First Appearance of December With Windchills Dipping Below -40°C

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The extreme cold has returned to the Prairies with temperatures dipping below -20°C across a majority of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the exception of the Southwest Corner of Saskatchewan. Temperatures will be lower than -30°C in parts of Central Saskatchewan and into the Parkland Region of Manitoba. The cold Arctic air pushed south throughout the day today and temperatures will continue to fall overnight before reaching their lowest point in the mid-morning.

This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.

Winds overnight tonight are expected be light, at around 10-15km/h. These light winds will easily push the windchill below -40°C, which has prompted Environment Canada to issue Extreme Cold Warnings for parts of both provinces.

At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

Steep Drop in Temperatures Will Lead to Flash Freeze Risk This Evening and Freezing Rain Into Wednesday

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It’s been a bit of a weather roller coaster across Southern and Central Alberta over the past several days, with snow and frigid Arctic air late last week to single digit temperatures, melting snow and even some rain falling in the Northern Rockies.

Now, temperatures are expected to plummet later this evening, leading to a risk for a flash freeze along with freezing rain across a swath of the province continuing throughout the day tomorrow.

Warm temperatures across Central and Southern Alberta in the single digits have resulted in the melting of some of the existing snowpack. On top of this, precipitation has already begun to push into the Northern Rockies region of Alberta from British Columbia as a mix of rain and snow this afternoon.

As the precipitation pushes deeper into the province and temperatures quickly fall to just below the freezing mark this evening, not only will the melted snow and slush rapidly freeze, the rain will also transition over to freezing rain, creating very icy conditions. This patch of freezing rain will remain fairly stationary around Grande Prairie into Wednesday morning, leading to ice accretions up to 5mm. At this point, the entire system will begin to push southeastward across the province, bringing light freezing rain along a narrow track throughout the day, adding to the already icy conditions expected from the flash freeze.

To the north of this freezing rain, where temperatures will be slightly cooler, light snow is expected to fall. Snowfall accumulations will also be limited with this system and a widespread 5-10cm is expected.

Another Night of Extreme Cold on Tap, Warnings Extend into Manitoba for Tonight as Windchills Reach -40°C Over a Wider Area

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The extreme cold continues across the Prairies with overnight lows dipping below -20°C across a large part of the region and lower than -30°C in Central Saskatchewan once again tonight and into tomorrow morning.

This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.

Winds overnight tonight are expected to remain similar to last night, peaking at around 10-15km/h, but they are expected to be more widespread. These light winds will easily push the windchill below -40°C over a larger area, resulting in Environment Canada issuing more Extreme Cold Warnings for tonight.

At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

It appears that Saskatchewan and Manitoba could see a bit of a reprieve tomorrow night, with the coldest air expected to be found in Alberta instead.

First Extreme Cold Air of the Season to Settle Across the Prairies Over the Coming Days, Overnight Lows Dipping Below -30°C

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While it has been quite cool across the Prairies this week on the backside of last weekend’s storm, it’s about to get even colder over the next few days. The first of this extreme cold will be experienced overnight Thursday and Friday morning. A large swath of the Prairies will have overnight lows below -20°C tonight while parts of Central Saskatchewan will see temperatures dipping below -30°C, prompting the first Extreme Cold Warnings of the season from Environment Canada that includes Saskatoon.

This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.

Winds overnight are expected to top out at around 10-15km/h and while this is just a light breeze, it’ll be enough to drive the windchill well below -40°C in the coldest areas. At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.

We will continue to provide updates over the coming days as these cold temperatures persist.

Multiple Rounds of Snow Could Bring Up to 20cm to the Grande Prairie Area By the Weekend

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Did anyone in the Grande Prairie area order more snow? Someone must have because the region is in line to receive several rounds of snowfall by the end of the week and possibly even more through the weekend. At this point, Grande Prairie and the surrounding area can expect up to 20cm of snow by Saturday morning, but with the Arctic air that has settled across the Prairies, the snow will be dry and fluffy and accumulations could end up being higher.

The first round will begin Wednesday morning as a small pocket of light snow that will only bring trace amounts of accumulation as it quickly travels southeastward along the Rockies.

A second area of light snow will follow, starting in the late afternoon. This pocket of snow will sit over the Grande Prairie region for up to 6 hours, leading to an additional couple of centimetres of accumulation before it, too, begins to travel southeast overnight. Grande Cache could see some lingering flurries from this band of snow through Thursday morning, adding 1-2cm of snow to the area.

The third time will be the charm, with snow pushing into Grande Prairie and the surrounding area beginning Thursday afternoon. This will be a much larger area of snowfall than the previous two little pockets and the light snow will push further eastward into Alberta starting Friday morning after stalling overnight. At this time, the snow may become heavier around Grande Prairie, bringing snowfall totals from this third round above 10cm by the end of the day. This area of snow will follow a more eastward trajectory across the province and into Saskatchewan throughout the day Friday.

Saturday morning could see even more snow making its way into Grande Prairie, but there is still some disagreement between weather models on this occurring. Some models are suggesting that if this does ends up happening, there could be steady snow in the area straight into Monday afternoon, bringing an additional 20cm of snow. As we approach the end of the week, we will provide any necessary updates on this possibility.

Winter Storm Could Dump Over 20cm of Snow in Southern Alberta This Weekend

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After missing out on the heavy snowfall that hit Saskatchewan and Manitoba earlier this week, Alberta now gets its turn, with a winter storm slated to hit this weekend. Much of Central and Southern Alberta can expect to see 10-20cm of fresh snow by Sunday afternoon, but a precursor blast of snow ahead of the main event means that the southeast could receive upwards of 30cm.

Following some scattered flurries overnight throughout Southern Alberta, the first round of snow will move into the province late Friday morning from the southwest. This band will build northward along the Rockies and spread northeastward across Southern and Central Alberta throughout the afternoon and evening. The snow will be heavy at times in the south, leading to a quick accumulation of 5-10cm for areas south of Calgary.

Late Friday evening and overnight, as the snow continues spreading north into Grande Cache and areas north of Edmonton, the second round of snow will start making its way into Southern Alberta along the same track as the first. This more organized band will merge with the initial round of snow in the early morning hours of Saturday and will intensify starting in the Southern Rockies shortly before dawn. Snowfall rates are expected to exceed 2cm/hr, leading to rapid accumulation in the morning and early afternoon along a stretch from Pincher Creek to Oyen. It’s in this area that residents can expect to receive more than 20cm of snow by late Saturday.

To the north, the snow will spread into the Grande Prairie area in the early hours of Saturday when the storm becomes more organized. As the system gradually pushes eastwards throughout the day Saturday and into early Sunday, the snow across Central Alberta and parts of Northern Alberta is expected to be steady and light, resulting in widespread totals of 5-20cm. Most of the Rockies will be skipped over by the second round of snow, leading to a limited amount of snow accumulation overall from this storm.

Up to 10cm of Snow Could Cause Traffic Headaches For Calgary Area to Start the Week

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The week will start off messy for those in Calgary and the surrounding area with up to 10cm of snow expected to fall on Monday. While not a large amount of snow, its morning arrival will likely make the commute longer than usual. Those in this area will definitely want to give themselves extra time to reach their destination in the morning.

The snow will cross the Rockies into the province after midnight tonight, spreading eastward into Calgary by 2AM and then into Wheatland County shortly thereafter. This area can expect the snow to be heavy at times over the course of roughly 8-10 hours, leading to upwards of 10cm of accumulation by the afternoon. Light snow is expected to cross towards the Saskatchewan border by mid-morning, with the system losing organization in the afternoon. This will result in scattered flurries possible throughout Southern Alberta continuing into the overnight and early morning hours of Tuesday, leading to snowfall accumulations of less than 5cm.

A Brief Blast of Winter Will Blow Through Central Alberta to Finish the Week

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It was a snowy start to the week in Alberta and it looks like the same can be said for the end of the week as well. This time, however, the snowfall will be shorter-lived and not as widespread. Once again, temperatures hovering just above the freezing mark beyond the Rockies will result in precipitation falling as wet snow or a rain and snow mixture as the system tracks eastward across the province.

Steady light rain is slated to begin in the Grande Cache area and the northern edge of the Rockies Friday morning. The rain will be mixed with snow in the mountains, leading to a bit of accumulation. By the evening, the rain will start to transition to wet snow which will begin to spread southeast into Jasper and along the Icefields Parkway. The snow will stall over this region for roughly 24 hours, leading to over 10cm of snow falling by Sunday morning.

On Saturday morning, a patch of precipitation will break away with a weak low-pressure center and push eastward across the width of the province over the course of the day. Given the single-digit highs expected across Central Alberta on Saturday and how quickly the system will move through the region, this light precipitation will likely fall as a mix of rain and snow and snowfall totals are forecasted to be less than 2cm.

After crossing into Saskatchewan, this patch of precipitation will lose a bit of its eastward momentum as the system interacts with an even stronger low coming up from the States that has been bringing historic snowfall to parts of New Mexico. As the system stalls, the snow will persist overnight Saturday and into mid-morning Sunday over an area just west of the Saskatchewan border, from Cold Lake to Lloydminster, bringing snowfall totals closer to 5cm.

It looks like snow is once again in the forecast to start next week so keep your shovels ready!

What's in a Name? Choosing the Right Tires to Drive you Through Canadian Winters

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Tread patterns of summer, all season and winter tires. Image courtesy of discount tire.

Now that it’s the first week of November, many Canadians are starting to think about putting winter tires on their vehicles. There have been pockets of unseasonable warmth across the country in October and the start of November, the inevitable chill of winter is in the air, and many have already seen snow fall.

While winter tires are recommended throughout the country, they are mandatory in Quebec from December 1st to March 15th, and from October 1st to April 30th on certain British Columbia highways. Additionally, studded tires are allowed almost nationwide, with the exception of residents of Southern Ontario.

Insurance companies across the country offer discounts for installing winter tires as an incentive to encourage drivers to reduce the risk of accidents. So what makes winter tires that much better in the cold and snow than summer tires and where do all season and all weather tires fit into the mix?

With the right tools, it can be pretty easy to change your own tires!

Summer Tires

Summer tires are designed to handle both wet and dry road conditions with their wide tread and soft rubber. These tires also usually have deeper grooves that improve traction on wet roads and reduce hydroplaning, making them ideal for the wet spring and summer months.

Winter Tires

Like their name suggests, winter tires have been designed for winter roads. They are made with rubber that stays flexible at temperatures below 7°C (45°F), the magic number at which other tires become stiff and lose traction, greatly reducing their performance. Furthermore, winter tires have different tread patterns that are meant to divert water and slush to the sides, as well as little slits called sipes that increase the overall grip of the tires and helping them maintain contact with icy road surfaces. Over the past several years, tire manufacturers have started to include additional small particles, like crushed glass or walnut shells, that act as little studs on the surface of the tire for extra grip.

Performance of All Season Tires vs Winter Tires with decreasing temperatures. Image courtesy of Discount Tire.

All Season & All Weather Tires

Some people argue that winter tires aren’t necessary if they have all season tires on their vehicle. Unfortunately, this is a slight misnomer because while these tires can handle a bit of cold and snow, they fail to handle heavier snowfalls that are common in Canadian winters. All season tires, unfortunately, sacrifice traction in wet conditions that would be found in summer tires and some of the flexibility and grip seen with winter tires in order for the tread to last longer. Realistically, these should be called 3 season tires as opposed to all season. So while they’re not the best option for winter driving in Canada, all season tires are definitely a better choice than regular summer tires.

All weather tires, not to be confused with all season tires, are a true year-round tire designed to handle Canadian winters. Unlike all season tires, these tires remain soft and flexible well below 7°C. The tread pattern on all weather tires is a combination of all season and winter tires, making them better suited for driving through heavier snow than all season tires. While they still don’t match the performance of a true winter tire, all weather tires are the best option for those who don’t want the hassle of swapping out their tires twice per year or simply do not have the space to store an extra set. Their versatility truly makes all weather tires a middle of the road tire (pun intended) for Canadian drivers.

The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol found on winter and all weather tires. Image courtesy of Canadian tire.

When looking for tires to get you through the winter, it is recommended to chose either a proper winter tire or an all weather tire, so long as it has the three-peak mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall. This is an industry standard symbol which indicates that the tire meets strict regulations for winter performance; becoming mandatory on all winter tires beginning in 2018, transitioning away from just using the M+S (Mud and Snow) designation.

Further Reading

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/how-to/automotive/how-to-choose-winter-tires.html

https://www.continental-tires.com/ca/en/tire-knowledge/winter-tire-laws-in-canada/

https://www.continental-tires.com/ca/en/tire-knowledge/winter-tire-markings/

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tires-below-45

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/winter-summer-allseason

Note: The author formerly received payments from “Big Tire” however, this article was not funded.

Update: Wintry Mix Continues, Pocket of Sub-Freezing Temperatures to Increase Snowfall Totals Tuesday

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It’s been a messy start to the week across parts of Alberta and into Southern Saskatchewan, with a low pressure system bringing mixed precipitation to the region today. This storm has been progressing as expected so far, but the latest data from weather models has resulted in some slight revisions to our forecast for Tuesday.

Throughout the day Monday, we’ve seen temperatures above freezing across most of Southern and Central Alberta, resulting in precipitation falling as a rain-snow mix, and limiting overall snowfall accumulations. The exception to this has been in the Grande Cache area, where the temperatures have remained below 0°C and the precipitation has fallen as snow.

The single digit temperatures will continue overnight across most of Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, but with being only being a degree or two above, or even at, freezing, we expect there to be a bit more snow accumulating beginning in the early morning hours Tuesday. This has been reflected by an increase in the forecasted snowfall for Taber, Brooks and north towards Strathmore and Drumheller.

As the temperatures begin to climb after sunrise, we will see the transition back to a rain-snow mix across the region. However, there is a small pocket where sub-zero temperatures will persist throughout the day, particularly in Medicine Hat, Maple Creek and the surrounding area. Steady snowfall will increase accumulations amounts to 5-10cm with locally higher amounts of up to 15cm possible in this area by the end of the day.

It is also expected that the precipitation from this system will push further eastward into Saskatchewan Tuesday afternoon and evening. By the late afternoon Tuesday, Arctic air will flood into the Prairies so the remaining light precipitation in Southern Saskatchewan at that point will fall as snow. As a result, we have extended the area covered by the 2-5cm range to include Outlook, Moose Jaw, and Assiniboia. Meanwhile, Saskatoon, Watrous, Fort Qu’Appelle, Estevan, and areas in between can now expect trace amounts (less than 2cm) of snow. The snow will diminish overnight, but scattered light flurries are possible in Southeast Saskatchewan Wednesday morning.

Messy Wintry Mix to Impact Alberta & Saskatchewan for the First Week of November

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The first week of November is going to have an active and messy start across Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. The arrival of a low pressure system will bring widespread precipitation Monday and Tuesday, but the dominant type of precipitation that falls will vary throughout the region.

The low pressure centre will cross into Alberta Monday morning in the Grande Cache area, bringing steady light snow to the area. As the low gradually travels southeastward across the province throughout the day and overnight, the precipitation will follow and spread across much of Central and Southern Alberta and continue for most of the day Tuesday. The low will move into Saskatchewan by early Tuesday morning, bringing precipitation to the southwest region of the province throughout the morning and into the late evening before dissipating.

The exact snowfall accumulation across Alberta and Saskatchewan from this system has been tough to forecast, with temperatures in the single digits for a large part of the region, meaning that the precipitation will fall as a mixture of rain and snow. This, combined with still mild ground temperature, should greatly reduce overall snow accumulations. As a result, we’ve gone with a more conservative snowfall forecast. The areas with the greatest snowfall potential, and the least mixing, will be found to the west of the low pressure system, behind its associated cold front and in the area with the coolest air, namely in the Grande Cache area and through the Rockies.

Trick-or-Treat: A Potential Spooky ‘Headless’ Comet Could Be Visible Across Canada Around Halloween

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It's been a spectacular year for skywatchers across Canada, with events like solar eclipses, supermoons, and vibrant northern lights lighting up the night. Now, it looks like we might be in for another treat—a "headless" comet could make an appearance just in time for Halloween.

October seems to be the month of comets, with Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS gracing the early evening skies recently. Many stargazers caught glimpses of the comet, which was visible in the western sky just after sunset. Although it has since faded from naked-eye visibility, you can still catch it with a telescope, and it will remain somewhat visible into early November.

But the cosmic show isn’t over yet. A second comet, called Comet ATLAS (C/2024 S1), may arrive just in time for Halloween, and it comes with a spooky twist—it could appear "headless." The comet’s name might sound familiar because it was discovered by the same ATLAS asteroid tracking system, known for spotting objects that could potentially impact Earth.

The main difference between this upcoming comet and the earlier one lies in its path. While the first comet passed safely between Earth and the Sun, around 40 million miles from the Sun, this new comet will come much closer, potentially within 700,000 miles of the Sun's surface. Because of this close approach, scientists predict that the comet’s head—its bright core—might disintegrate due to the Sun's intense heat, leaving just a faint, trailing tail visible from Earth.

To understand what makes a comet appear "headless," it's important to know a bit about its structure. Comets are made up of a nucleus, or core, composed of rock, dust, and frozen gases. When they approach the Sun, the heat causes the frozen gases to vaporize, forming a glowing coma around the nucleus and a tail that extends away from the Sun. If the nucleus disintegrates, the glowing head might vanish, leaving behind only a ghostly tail, hence the term "headless comet."

ESTIMATED BRIGHTNESS OF COMET - SOURCE: sKYWALK.SPACE

The exact visibility of this comet remains uncertain. It will come closest to Earth on October 24th as it travels toward the Sun, reaching its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion, on October 28th. There’s even a chance it could be bright enough to see during the day, potentially appearing as bright as Venus from 7:12 AM to 8:06 AM (ET) in the east-southeastern sky.

However, those in the Northern Hemisphere may struggle to spot it due to its position low in the sky near the Sun, making it difficult to see without obstruction from sunlight or clouds.

NASA offers some tips for spotting the comet during this close approach. To view it safely, you should block the Sun with an object such as a building or tree, then scan the lower left of the Sun's position in the sky. Be cautious and never use binoculars or telescopes, as accidentally focusing on the Sun can cause serious eye damage.

If the comet survives its close encounter with the Sun, it could become visible in the night sky around Halloween. This would provide skywatchers with a unique opportunity to see a potentially "headless" comet, with a long, wispy tail but no visible nucleus. The darkness of the moonless night sky could offer ideal conditions for observing this unusual celestial visitor, making it a fitting cosmic event for the spooky season.

There is always the possibility that the comet disintegrates completely, leaving nothing visible to the naked eye. But if it endures, it will gradually fade after November 1st, requiring binoculars or a telescope for further observation. Unlike earlier this month, when a supermoon washed out the sky, the absence of a full moon could make for an even more impressive show, assuming the comet survives.

Stay tuned for updates as we keep an eye on this intriguing comet.

Why the Northern Lights Are Appearing More Frequently: NASA and NOAA Confirm Solar Maximum

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Visible light images from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory highlight the appearance of the Sun at solar minimum (left, Dec. 2019) versus solar maximum (right, August 2024). During solar minimum, the Sun is often spotless. Sunspots are associated with solar activity, and are used to track solar cycle progress. Credit: NASA/SDO

During a recent teleconference, experts from NASA, NOAA, and the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel confirmed that the Sun has entered its solar maximum, a period of heightened solar activity expected to last through the next year.

The solar cycle reaches this peak roughly every 11 years, during which the Sun shifts from a relatively calm state to a much more active phase characterized by increased magnetic activity and a higher number of sunspots. These sunspots, which are cooler areas on the Sun’s surface caused by intense magnetic fields, can trigger powerful solar eruptions that significantly impact space weather.

This surge in solar activity doesn’t just make for an interesting spectacle; it can also have practical consequences on Earth. Solar flares and eruptions during this time can interfere with communications, disrupt GPS signals, and even affect power grids. They can also pose potential hazards to satellites and astronauts in orbit.

But for skywatchers, there is an upside: the solar maximum period also brings more frequent and spectacular aurora displays. The increased solar storms energize the Earth’s magnetosphere, producing stunning Northern Lights that light up the night sky.

The Solar Cycle 25 forecast, produced by the Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, which is co-chaired by NASA and NOAA. Sunspot number is an indicator of solar cycle strength - the higher the sunspot number, the stronger the cycle. Credit: NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center

This past May, a powerful series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) resulted in one of the most intense geomagnetic storms seen in decades, setting the stage for breathtaking aurora displays visible across Canada. For many, it was a rare opportunity to experience the vivid greens, reds, and purples dancing across the sky.

If you didn’t catch those May displays or other recent aurora events, there’s no need to worry. With the Sun currently in its solar maximum, NASA and NOAA anticipate ongoing solar and geomagnetic storms in the coming months, which means there will be many more chances to witness the auroras.

Although the Sun is already in an active phase, pinpointing the exact peak of this cycle will take time as scientists closely monitor the number and intensity of sunspots and solar eruptions.

Exciting research efforts are also underway to better understand the Sun's behavior during this dynamic period. NASA is preparing for a major milestone in solar exploration, with the Parker Solar Probe set to make its closest approach to the Sun in December 2024. This mission, along with other initiatives, aims to deepen our knowledge of space weather and its effects on our planet.

Here at Instant Weather, we’re committed to keeping you informed about significant solar activity and providing timely alerts for aurora viewing opportunities across Canada. As the Sun continues to show off during this solar maximum, be sure to stay tuned for updates and get ready for more spectacular light shows in the sky.

First Significant Snowfall of the Season Expected Across Alberta to Start the Week

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On the heels of some mild temperatures for the past week, a drastic cool down is already on its way courtesy of a strong cold front. Precipitation is expected along this cold front and unfortunately, the temperatures will dip low enough across much of Central and Southern Alberta for some of that precipitation to fall as snow, hitting the region in two rounds.

The cold front has already started to make its way through Alberta from the north, bringing single digit temperatures to areas north of Red Deer and a large band of precipitation behind it spanning the width of the province. Most of this precipitation has been falling as rain, but to the west, through Grande Cache and Grande Prairie, there has been light snow. The rain will transition to snow moving eastwards this evening and overnight as the temperatures continue to fall and a low pressure centre moves in from the west, pushing the front and its associated precipitation towards Saskatchewan.

South of this first round of snowfall, conditions will stay dry until late Monday morning when additional precipitation will push its way into the region from British Columbia, crossing eastward across Alberta through the afternoon and evening. With the passage of the expected low pressure centre and a second cold front, temperatures will actually drop throughout the day so a large swath of Southern Alberta will see precipitation start off as rain, but transition to snow later in the afternoon as the temperature continues to drop. The exception to this will be in the Rockies, where the precipitation is expected to fall predominantly as snow, leading to upwards of 20cm of snowfall accumulation.

Forecasting the exact amount of snowfall for this event has been tough because the temperatures will not fall too far below 0°C, only a few degrees in most places. Furthermore, the ground is still warm across much of the province, meaning that overall accumulation should be limited to just a few centimetres beyond the mountains. Despite this, roadways could still become slick, so make sure to exercise caution when travelling over the next couple of days.