Foothills County could see its first snowfall of the season very soon.
It's been a warm autumn so far, with temperatures around 10 degrees above the average for this time of year, but it looks like that could change early next week.
Environment and Climate Change Canada scientist Christ Climenhaga says there's a chance of rain and even flurries on Monday (Oct. 21).
"We're expecting a low-pressure system to develop and move through the southern prairies, bringing with it some wet weather. Some cooler temperatures will move in as well, and it will bring the risk of flurries and snowfall to parts of Alberta."
While Monday is still a little far off to say for sure, Climenhaga says that the low-pressure system is looking very likely.
"Different weather models we use to predict what's going to happen are showing a good consensus that we'll see some action on Monday, but in terms of how much, it's still a little early to say. Likely accumulating snow across the Foothills on Monday, more so in the upper elevations and tight to the Rockies."
Early estimates are anticipating 3-5cm of snow in the Okotoks area.
All things considered, the Foothills area has been lucky to have avoided snow for so long.
"For your first fall snow in Southern Alberta, you'll usually see it a little closer to October 8 or so, so we're over already a week past that, so into that end stretch of October for the first snowfall is on the later side anyway... Last year, the snowfall was even later, it was a very mild run up and the first snow in the Calgary area was October 23," explains Climenhaga.
Monday will also see a dip in daytime temperatures, with highs in the 20s giving way to a forecast high of 4° on Monday and 7° on Tuesday.