Just when Albertans thought winter might be loosening its grip, another significant snowstorm is preparing to blanket southern portions of the province, threatening to turn roads treacherous and disrupt travel plans mid-week.
Environment Canada has issued a yellow snowfall warning covering a vast swath of southern Alberta — stretching from Banff through the Crowsnest Pass and eastward to the Saskatchewan border — with Calgary and Red Deer squarely in the path of what meteorologists are tracking as a substantial system.
When Will the Snow Arrive?
The storm is expected to develop later Wednesday, initially arriving as rain in lower-elevation areas before transitioning to snow as temperatures plummet through the evening hours. Calgary residents should brace for approximately 2 to 4 centimetres by Wednesday afternoon, with the heaviest accumulation — around 10 centimetres — expected overnight into Thursday morning. An additional 5 centimetres could fall Thursday before the system moves out of the region.
Some areas, particularly in the foothills and higher elevations, could see up to 30 centimetres of total accumulation by the time the storm passes through Thursday.
"Snowstorms, we're averaging one a week," noted weather specialists monitoring the developing system. The precipitation is forecast to begin around lunchtime Wednesday and continue through Thursday morning, with timing potentially shifting slightly depending on atmospheric conditions.
Temperature Roller Coaster Ahead
Calgary's temperature swings will be dramatic throughout the event. Wednesday's high of 7°C will plummet to -9°C overnight, with Thursday maxing out near -4°C. By Friday, conditions moderate slightly to around 5°C, before rebounding into the mid-to-upper teens or even low twenties early next week — a stark contrast to mid-week conditions.
Road Conditions Expected to Deteriorate
While accumulating snow may not persist on warmer pavement once the storm clears, meteorologists warn that if precipitation is heavy enough, road surfaces will become slick and hazardous during the event itself. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and allow extra travel time Wednesday evening through Thursday.
What About Other Alberta Cities?
Lethbridge and Edmonton fall outside the formal snowfall warning zone, though both cities will experience winter weather. Edmonton could see showers, flurries, or light snow Wednesday afternoon and evening, with additional flurries possible Thursday. Lethbridge is forecast to experience showers and flurries Wednesday, with periods of snow Thursday, plus the possibility of a thunderstorm mid-week.
Story based on reporting by Global Calgary.