A snowstorm is expected to hit southern Saskatchewan over the next couple of days, bringing with it 10 to 20 centimeters of fluffy snow.
According to Environment Canada Meteorologist Danielle Desjardins, the system we will experience is a clipper system tracking from the United States that looks to be more intense than initially forecasted.
"Over the next couple of days, we’re looking at significant snowfall, with the heaviest accumulation expected tomorrow during the day," said Dejardins. "The snow will start overnight tonight, with the heaviest amounts accumulating during the day on Tuesday."
While snow is expected to begin overnight, the winds will remain light at about 20 kilometers per hour. However, Desjardins warns that travel conditions could worsen Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning as winds pick up from the northwest, reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour. This could create low visibility and poor road conditions.
The snowstorm is expected to affect a broad area, with snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 centimeters predicted across southern Saskatchewan, including locations from the Cypress Hills, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, and Regina, with higher amounts possible along the Yellowhead Highway.
The colder temperatures associated with this system will result in lighter, fluffier snow compared to previous storms this winter. As Desjardins explained, this means that even though the snowfall may be significant, it will not melt into as much liquid, which could affect the amount of moisture the storm provides.
Looking ahead, Desjardins noted that after this system moves through, Saskatchewan will experience unseasonably cool temperatures, with daytime highs remaining well below the normal range for this time of year.
"The next week and a half will be dominated by cooler-than-usual temperatures, with no major weather systems expected beyond this snowstorm," said Desjardins.
Residents are advised to take precautions as the snowstorm progresses, especially late Wednesday into Thursday, when poor travel conditions may develop.