Central Alberta residents can expect a classic spring swing in weather over the Easter weekend, with a warm, sunny Friday giving way to cooler temperatures, rain, and even the possibility of snow by Monday.
Stephen Vallee, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said a weak disturbance brought some light flurries and showers to the region Thursday morning, but conditions were expected to improve through the day.
Friday will bring the most pleasant conditions of the weekend, with a forecast high of 17 C for Lacombe.
“Very warm temperatures, well above seasonal,” Vallee said, noting that much of Central Alberta will see highs several degrees above the typical average of 12 C for this time of year.
A cold front will move through the region Saturday, bringing a return to unsettled conditions. The forecast calls for a high of 12 C and a low of 1 C, with scattered rain showers expected through the day.
Easter Sunday will see increased cloud cover and more seasonal temperatures, with a high of 8 C.
By Sunday night into Monday, a low pressure system forming over southern Alberta could bring a mix of precipitation. Snow is possible in the foothills and mountain regions, while rain is likely across lower elevations.
Monday’s forecast calls for a high of just 5 C, with a chance of rain or wet snow during the day.
By Tuesday, conditions are expected to improve once again, as a ridge of high pressure builds into the region, bringing drier skies and warming temperatures into midweek.
Vallee noted it has been “quite dry across central Alberta,” and that any moisture will be welcome in the region heading into spring.
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