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Snowfall warnings stretch from Pincher Creek to Winnipeg this weekend as a robust winter storm spanning the international border blankets the southern prairies with a dose of heavy snow and high winds.
Many communities are waiting for 15-25 cm of additional snowfall until Sunday morning.
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The focus is primarily on southern Saskatchewan where full blown snowstorm conditions are possible. Blizzard conditions will also occur in southwest Manitoba throughout Saturday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued snowstorm warnings for parts of Saskatchewan, including the city of Regina, and the communities of Fort Qu’Appelle, Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle and Oxbow.
The combination of heavy snowfall and gusty winds will mean poor visibility and whiteout conditions through Friday night and travel to these areas is not recommended as the weather worsens.
“Rapidly falling snow will make travel difficult,” ECCC said in its blizzard warning for Regina.
“During heavy snowfall and blowing snow, visibility is suddenly reduced to almost zero at times. Prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If you travel and get lost, stay where you are until the blizzard passes.”
Snowfall warnings are also in effect for southern Manitoba, including the city of Winnipeg.
Moving to the southern prairies, the system will feed on tropical moisture ingress from the Pacific. This moisture, fed by the same atmospheric flow that is bringing California a high-risk flood hazard, will give this prairie snowfall an extra boost to produce even higher sums in places.
Snowfall often has a tropical connection this time of year — and wayward humidity pushing north is a major reason March and April are typically considered some of the snowiest months in Calgary, Alberta.
DON’T MISS: How the tropics help produce big spring snows on the prairies
While things were winding down in southern Alberta, snow will continue to spread across Saskatchewan and Manitoba throughout Saturday.
A widespread 15 to 25 cm swath is expected in southern Saskatchewan, with 10 to 20 cm of snow likely over Manitoba. The city of Winnipeg can expect 10-15 cm.
Calmer conditions will arrive by the end of the weekend, with a warm-up expected for much of the prairie early next week.
Regina and Winnipeg could both see daily highs climb above freezing by mid-week. This would be the first time Regina has seen the north face of zero since February 17.
WATCH: Lashing winds cause dangerous travel in Saskatchewan
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Be sure to keep checking back for the latest weather updates on the prairies.
