Central Alberta drivers are being urged to watch for slippery conditions this week as a typical spring freeze-thaw cycle takes hold.
Even though the weather is warming and skies are mostly clear, the daily cycle of snow melting during the day and freezing again at night could create hazardous road conditions, particularly in areas with lingering snowpack.
Natalie Hazel, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says the risk lies not in new precipitation, but in what’s already on the ground.
She said even though the weather seems calm, the thawing and refreezing of surface moisture can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
"Since you do have snow on the ground, the freeze-thaw cycle stuff is going to be a problem potentially, as the snow melts and then refreezes in the evening and overnight period," Hazel said. "So road conditions could be affected even though the weather is relatively benign."
Tuesday’s forecast for Lacombe includes a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of flurries early in the morning. The high is expected to reach 8 C, but the morning wind chill will feel like minus 8. Tonight’s low will fall to minus 5, with a wind chill near minus 9.
Wednesday will bring more sun and cloud, with a high of 12 C and a morning wind chill near minus 9. The overnight low will dip to minus 4 under clear skies. Thursday and Friday will be sunny, with highs of 15 and 16 C, and overnight lows around the freezing mark. Saturday’s high is expected to reach 19 C, followed by increasing cloudiness overnight and a low of plus 3. Rain is likely on Sunday, with a high of 13 C and a chance of showers continuing into the night. Monday’s forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 14 C.
Seasonal norms for this time of year in Lacombe are a high of 14 C and a low of zero. While temperatures are climbing above those averages during the day, overnight lows remain below seasonal expectations.
Hazel said this pattern is entirely normal for Alberta at this time of year.
“Do pay attention to road conditions especially as the sun is setting,” she added.
Click here for the full forecast.
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