Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Airdrie and surrounding areas, with as much as 80 millimetres of precipitation expected by Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, a snowfall warning is in effect for the Kananaskis region west of Calgary, where 10 to 15 centimetres of heavy, wet snow is forecast over higher elevations.
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Rain is expected to begin Sunday night and intensify through Monday, possibly mixing with wet snow during the morning and evening as freezing levels drop below 2,000 metres. The system is expected to taper off by Tuesday morning.
"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads," Environment Canada stated. "Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible."
The expected rainfall comes after a stretch of very dry conditions. Airdrie fire crews responded to two grass fires in recent days—one Saturday afternoon at Chinook Winds Park, confirmed by RCMP, and another Thursday evening along Edmonton Trail.
Airdrie remains under a fire advisory, while Rocky View County is under a fire ban.
Snowfall warnings are in effect for the Kananaskis Improvement District near Highwood House and near Kananaskis Village, where snow is expected to begin early Monday and continue through the day.
Total snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 centimetres are likely above 1,500 metres, particularly for areas south of Highway 1, including Highwood Pass. The heaviest snowfall is forecast for Monday evening. The event is expected to taper off Tuesday morning.
"Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," the agency said. "Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate."
Drivers are advised to prepare for rapidly changing travel conditions, turn on headlights, and maintain a safe following distance.
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