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Snow, winds challenge travel on parts of the Prairies through Monday

Snow, winds challenge travel on parts of the Prairies through Monday
Snow, winds challenge travel on parts of the Prairies through Monday

Heavy snow and winds will persist on the Prairies as an early winter snowstorm sweeps across the region through Monday. Several winter warnings are in effect for central and northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, urging drivers to consider postponing any non-essential travel.

Central Saskatchewan and regions north of Dauphin, Manitoba will see the heaviest snowfall where 10-30 cm is possible.

PR snow Mon
PR snow Mon

While winds won't be especially strong, gusts between 40-60 km/h, in combination with the snow, could lead to dangerous travel across major routes such as the Trans-Canada and Yellowhead Highways stretching across Saskatchewan and surrounding roads.

"Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in a winter storm warning for central Saskatchewan. "If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance."

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Reduced visibility, slick roads and unexpected whiteout conditions are expected at times. Road closures are a possibility if conditions significantly deteriorate through the day.

Baron - snowfall PR
Baron - snowfall PR

Arctic air settles in as temperatures fall to coldest values of the season

Conditions are expected to gradually improve as the snowfall tapers off through Monday.

The Prairies however, will then face two waves of exceptionally cold air this week.

By Wednesday, Arctic air will accumulate along the Rockies and will cause temperatures to first bottom out in Alberta. Temperatures in and around Calgary and Edmonton could fall below -20°C and stay around these temperatures for several days.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba will also see temperatures range from -10°C to -20°C this week.

"Edmonton and Calgary will be up to 35 degrees colder than regions in South Dakota on the other side of the jet stream where temperatures will be in the teens," said Kevin MacKay, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.

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Be sure to check The Weather Network for the latest updates on the Prairies.