Days of snow return to southern Alberta as spring storm ramps up, risk of 30 cm

It wouldn't be true spring in Alberta without a heavy helping of snow. Especially after days of warmth and recent well above seasonal conditions. A potent wintry blast returns to the region to end this week, with heavy snow and difficult travel expected into the weekend.

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Some areas along the foothills could see between 20-40 cm of snow through Friday, with Calgary and areas just to the south sitting in the 10-20 cm range. Expect for conditions to rapidly deteriorate, with reduced visibility in times of heavy snow.

Thursday: Snow intensifies with difficult travel likely

System and upsloping snow fills into the southern foothills through Thursday, though with some regions in the southeastern sections seeing rain to start.

Colder temperatures in place will mean an eventual transition into all snow across the south, falling heavy at times throughout the day on Thursday.

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Snowfall totals will be steeply higher west of Calgary, especially along the foothills.

As much as 30-40 cm of snowfall is expected for areas along the foothills through Friday. Calgary and areas just to the south won't see quite as much, but will still get a hefty dose for April, sitting in the 10-20 cm range.

Expect difficult travel throughout the duration, especially in Calgary, and along the southern QE2 and Trans-Canada Highway.

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The snow will briefly lighten in intensity Thursday evening before another round of moisture fills in through the overnight period.

Friday and beyond: Another round of moisture

On Friday, snowfall will affect the southern and central sections, and areas along the Saskatchewan border.

However, the snow will be beneficial for the ongoing drought conditions, so if there is any consolation prize with the wintry weather, that is it.

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There will be more precipitation to come, too.

Periods of rain and wet snow are expected this weekend for southern Alberta, including the southern Rockies, so more of the much-needed moisture will be of great news for agriculture in a region that has long-term drought conditions.

There is uncertainty with snowfall totals for additional weekend rounds. Some banding could lead to locally higher totals.

Stay with The Weather Network on all platforms for all the latest on your forecast across Alberta.

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