Multiple rounds of snow on tap for Alberta, and up to 30 cm is forecast
Parts of Alberta are set to see a winter wonderland to start 2026, with up to 30 centimetres of snow in the forecast.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), snowfall warnings are in effect for northwestern Alberta, and more rounds of snow are lurking across the province as we roll into the weekend.
The snowfall warnings issued early on New Year’s Day in Alberta, which include areas like Grande Prairie and Grande Cache, state that heavy snow is expected today and Friday, with total amounts of 15 to 30 cm.
Snow will intensify this morning and continue into Friday, before tapering off tomorrow afternoon. Travel will likely be challenging, and if driving, turn on your lights, slow down and maintain a safe following distance. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow.
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Randolph W. Geene/Shutterstock
More heavy snow may be in store for parts of Alberta over the weekend, with the ECCC Significant Weather Outlook hinting at 10 to 15 centimetres in northwestern and north central Alberta for Saturday, Jan. 3, and 10 to 15 centimetres for the Alberta Rockies for Sunday, Jan. 4.
Looking at the forecast for Alberta’s two major cities, snow is certainly in the forecast for Edmonton, with periods of snow today into Friday night. Saturday night in YEG is also looking to see periods of snow, too.
Snow shovels in Calgary will be put to much less use, with just a 30 per cent chance of flurries during the day on Friday and a 40 per cent chance on Saturday night.
Edmonton forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
According to ECCC, the average high for Edmonton around this time of year is -7°C, while the average low is -16°C.
Calgary forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
According to ECCC, the average high for Calgary around this time of year is -3°C, while the average low is -15°C.
If you’re looking for what’s open and closed in Edmonton on New Year’s Day, we got you covered, and what’s open and closed in Calgary on New Year’s Day, too.
You can view all the current weather alerts for Alberta here, and the ECCC Significant Weather Outlook online.