'Pretty typical': Experts say don't be shocked over snow falling in Alberta right now
A large portion of Alberta is about to see some snow, and if you think getting it this time of year is out of the ordinary, it may be more normal than you’d suspect.
A special weather statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is currently in effect for a large swath of Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge.
That statement cautions that bands of heavy snow are possible tonight through Saturday morning, with locally rapid snow accumulation and poor visibility. Rapidly deteriorating weather conditions are expected with reduced visibility in heavy snow over localized areas.
Snowfall totals will be highly variable, but some areas under the statement may see quick accumulations of up to 10 centimetres. Blowing snow is also possible overnight tonight and into Friday afternoon, causing poor visibility.
Laine Mitchell/Daily Hive
Daily Hive recently spoke to Terri Lang, a meteorologist with ECCC, regarding whether or not seeing snow near the end of April is anything to write home about.
Lang said it’s pretty typical for the snow to fly in Alberta during this time of year, thanks to the volatility of April weather in Alberta.
“It’s just a fact that there are big temperature swings, and then snow back in. And that has to do with the fact that there’s still cold air to the south, but the warm air is trying to make its way up, so there’s sort of this ongoing battle,” Lang said.
Looking at the statistics, the average last snowfall in the Edmonton area is May 3 over the last 30 years of data, while the Calgary area is even later, landing on May 8.
That means that seeing snow in the forecast is something that folks in Alberta should almost expect to see this time of year, not be shocked by.
“That’s typical. Most people think it’s atypical, but a lot of people have recency bias, meaning, oh, it’s fine the last couple of years,” Lang said, adding that it would be more abnormal for Alberta not to see snowfall around this time than seeing it.
“Keep those snow tires on, even though we want them off, and we all want to be drinking beer on the patio. You know, it’s still springtime on the prairies. We still know it’s volatile,” she added.
Looking at the seven-day forecast for Edmonton and Calgary, it’s a pretty gross one with plenty of snow on tap. Take a peek at next week, though. We’ll take it!
Edmonton forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
According to ECCC, the average high for Edmonton around this time of year is 14°C, while the average low is 2°C.
Calgary forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
According to ECCC, the average high for Calgary around this time of year is 13°C, while the average low is zero.
You can view all ECCC watches, warnings, and special weather statements online.
So while snow this time of year is no statistical anomaly, are you simply just sick of seeing it and want spring to truly stay in Alberta? Let us know in the comments.