Calgary weather: Freezing rain ends as snowfall warning kicks in
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After a brief break from what may feel like a non-stop season of snowstorms, Calgary is again under a snowfall warning.
Heavy snowfall will head north across southern Alberta on Thursday morning, with 10 to 20 centimetres expected in Calgary, according to Environment Canada.
Okotoks, Lethbridge, Red Deer and many other southern Alberta communities are also under snowfall warnings and some areas could see up to 20 cm before the snow tapers off by Friday morning. A freezing rain warning ended shortly after 9:30 a.m. for much of the region.
Although the City of Calgary has not yet officially called a snow route parking ban, it says another could be in the cards this weekend. It would be the fourth ban this winter after just one last year.
Brenda Niskaaro, lead meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the foothills region will get the most snow when the storm hits.
While Calgarians might be sick of shovelling and scraping snow, Niskaaro said the weather is typical for Calgary as spring approaches.
“You can get any kind of weather,” she said. “You’ve got the warm temperatures and you also get the heavy snowfalls, and as you get into the spring there is more moisture available, so that’s why you can get the heavier snowfalls with higher amounts.”
Calgarians were greeted earlier on Thursday with some freezing rain and dense fog.
Niskaaro said there could be even more snow coming on the weekend and it’s possible Environment Canada will issue another snowfall warning for Friday or Saturday.
Environment Canada said motorists on Alberta highways should prepare for “changing and deteriorating travel conditions.” Niskaaro said visibility may be suddenly reduced and advised against unnecessary travel.
Weather Links
- Check Alberta’s official road reports.
- See the status of departures and arrivals from the Calgary International Airport.
- Take a look at Environment Canada’s weather radar for the region.
- Check the City of Calgary’s traffic advisories.
- Check this map of any current weather alerts in place across the province.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from the Calgary Herald.
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