Prairie Weather Brings Snow and Rain to Holiday Travel Routes

Travelers across the Prairies face changing conditions this holiday weekend as Environment Canada warns of rain, snow and possible road disruptions in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The agency expects precipitation to affect central and northern regions, with snowfall developing in several areas.

Environment Canada issued weather statements warning that motorists should prepare for deteriorating travel conditions and monitor forecasts. In Alberta, snow is expected across central and northern areas, with heavier amounts possible in west-central parts of the province.

Environment Canada described expected snowfall amounts as "highly variable" in its statement.

Environment Canada said confidence is lower for snowfall near Calgary and eastern areas, while heavier snow could develop near the southern Alberta foothills, areas along the U.S. border and the Cypress Hills.

In the Edmonton region, Environment Canada forecast wet snow with wind gusts reaching 40 km/h and about 2 cm of accumulation. Temperatures were expected to reach 1 C before falling to -1 C overnight.

The Edmonton area snowfall was expected to end Sunday, according to Environment Canada, with temperatures forecast to rise to 4 C before a sunny holiday Monday and warmer conditions later in the week.

"Rain will spread eastward through Saskatchewan today. Rain will continue through Saturday. Rain will be mixed with wet snow at times Saturday before changing over to snow Saturday night. Snow will end before Sunday," said Environment Canada.

In Saskatchewan, Environment Canada forecast heavy rain in the north-central portion of the province, with up to 60 mm expected. The heaviest rainfall was projected north of Prince Albert, Meadow Lake and Nipawin.

Environment Canada warned Saskatchewan drivers that water could pool on roads and in low-lying areas, advising caution around flooded roadways.

"Significant precipitation is expected Friday night through Sunday, with both rain and snow possible," said Environment Canada.

The agency identified parts of Manitoba as another area of concern, where temperatures near freezing could allow rain to transition into snow.

"The main area of concern is a corridor that extends from Pukatawagan east through Nelson House, Thompson and onward to areas between Gillam and Oxford House," said Environment Canada.

Environment Canada said Manitoba could receive 20 to 40 mm of rain, with some snow possible as precipitation weakens. A colder scenario could produce 10 to 25 cm of heavy, wet snow in some areas.

"The most likely outcome will be 20 to 40 mm of rain, with a few centimetres of snow possible as the precipitation weakens and tapers off on Sunday. In a worst-case scenario, if temperatures end up slightly colder, then 10 to 25 centimetres of heavy, wet snow could fall in some areas," said Environment Canada.

For Alberta conditions, Environment Canada said snowfall would expand across central and northern areas by Saturday evening, with heavier snowfall expected in west-central Alberta.

"By the end of the day Saturday, snow will accumulate over much of central and northern Alberta, with heavier snowfall amounts over west-central Alberta," said Environment Canada.