Alberta's first snowfall of season in weekend forecast

Alberta's first snowfall of season in weekend forecast

Some regions could see more than 20 cm, Environment Canada says

Alberta is expected to get its first snowfall of the season this Thanksgiving weekend, according to a special weather statement Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued Thursday.

ECCC meteorologist Terri Lang said rain beginning Thursday is expected to turn to snow by Friday, with precipitation levels varying across the province. Grande Cache, Hinton and Jasper National Park are the areas expected to be hit hardest, and could receive more than 20 cm of snow.

“It's going to be a bit of a mess this weekend,” Lang told CBC News. “Sadly, it's timed for the Thanksgiving long weekend, when we know that there's going to be a lot of people travelling.”

Most Albertans will see snowfall, Lang said, so anyone travelling over the long weekend should be prepared, especially if their route takes them through the Rocky Mountains.

“Have that awareness and be prepared, instead of just heading out in your flip-flops to the mountains this weekend,” she said.

Lang advised drivers to put winter tires on their vehicles if possible, pack an emergency kit in the vehicle and get in the habit of checking highway conditions before heading out.

“Really exercise caution, and if you can get the car ready for the snow, then please do,” she said.

There’s little risk of freezing rain and ice due to high ground temperatures, she said, and the snow isn’t expected to stick around for long.

Snowfall and precipitation should slow by Sunday. Next week’s weather forecast includes sun and double-digit temperatures through the Edmonton-to-Calgary corridor.

Sara is a reporter and editor at CBC News in Edmonton. She is a graduate of NAIT's media communications and production program, and has been a reporter at Taproot Edmonton.