Spring snow and chill takes aim at Alberta this week, brace for travel delays

Winter certainly isn't going out without a fight across Alberta, as more heavy snow and a winter-like chill takes aim at the region this week. While snowfall totals will be highly variable with temperatures hovering near freezing, some of the harder-hit areas could see as much as 20 cm fall through Wednesday.

The rain involved with this potent spring storm will change to snow through the late evening and overnight hours on Tuesday, slowly intensifying for communities near the U.S. border. For areas closer to the Saskatchewan border, the rain will linger longer before gradually changing to snow.

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In addition, winds will be gusty, so travel conditions will deteriorate in periods of blowing snow. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and to adapt to the changing weather.

Monday into Tuesday: Winter makes a comeback as rain changes to snow

A weak trough is forecast to develop across southern Alberta on Monday as an upper trough moves across the province and B.C. Precipitation will then gradually sink south across the province, with the tendency to transition over to wet snow due to the colder air in place.

Precipitation will increase across southern Alberta through Monday night and early Tuesday, with periods of snowfall continuing through Tuesday before the system slides into Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Wednesday.

Bursts of wet snow, though not persistent, will pick up around the city of Calgary, Alta., on Tuesday morning, made worse by gusty, northwesterly winds up to 60 km/h.

While snowfall totals are still somewhat uncertain, between 5-10 cm is possible in some areas by Wednesday morning. Even heavier amounts up to 20 cm could fall across the foothills, prompting snowfall warnings for communities there.

"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Be prepared to deal with changing road conditions that deteriorate quickly," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the snowfall warning. "If visibility is reduced while you are driving, slow down, watch the taillights of vehicles in front of you, and be prepared to stop."

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In addition to the snow and winds, a brisk wind chill will return, with daytime highs feeling like -1 to -3 early this week. Likely not the mid-April temperatures most were hoping for.

Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across Alberta.