Snow will melt as Alberta temperatures jump in weather forecast
Some serious snow melting is on the way for large parts of Alberta, with a nice boost in temperatures in the forecast as we end January and enter February.
It was a chilly start to last weekend for most of the province, and now many Albertans can look forward to basking in some above-normal temperatures for this time of year.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warning preparedness meteorologist Natalie Hasell told Daily Hive just how long this warm spell is set to last, and who may miss out on it.
The warmup in store for Alberta is already impacting parts of the province today, with above-normal temperatures on tap for Calgary and Edmonton.
Hasell says things will really ramp up as winds come out of the west starting tomorrow, allowing for a quicker snow melt, and overnight temperatures will also see a bit of a jump.
Most areas in the province are set to see daytime highs surpass zero over the coming days, apart from areas in northern Alberta, such as Fort McMurray, High Level, and Peace River.
Next week is going to be relatively dry in major population centres, as most of southern Alberta is in the clear from any major precipitation events and central areas, including Edmonton, which is only at risk of light flurries today and tomorrow.
Edmonton forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Looking at the forecast for Edmonton, residents will be shivering as we head into the weekend with a chance of flurries here and there; however, looking forward to next week, it’s going to feel balmy with daytime highs above zero on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Thursday, Jan. 29.
According to ECCC, the average high for Edmonton around this time of year is -6°C, while the average low is -15°C.
Calgary forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Looking at the forecast for Calgary, it’s cool and snowy for the majority of the weekend, but looking forward to next week, it’s going to feel like spring arrived early with daytime highs well above zero on Tuesday, Jan. 27, Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 29.
According to ECCC, the average high for Calgary around this time of year is -2°C, while the average low is -14°C.
Hasell added that there are precautions people still need to take, even when the weather starts to warm up and most of the province isn’t being hugged by extreme cold and heavy snowfall.
“We’re going to be in a freeze-thaw cycle for a few days here, so your road conditions could be quite difficult or different, at the very least, from daytime to evening and then overnight. So even if the weather is relatively benign, the road conditions could be quite sloppy. So worth paying attention to that and planning for delays.”
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The warmer weather also may have some of us skipping the heavy winter jackets, a move that also could put some of us at risk.
“People tend to get colds when we’re in a freeze-thaw cycle, maybe because they loosen up a bit and use a lighter jacket or something like that,” Hasell added, suggesting it’s best to pay attention and maybe dress in layers as the most useful thing to do when the weather gets like this.