Heavy snow takes aim at southern Alberta just as the deep freeze slowly relaxes

A once in a generation cold spell that has hit various regions Alberta will slowly begin to loosen its dangerous grip as the week wears on, but with snowy implications likely to cause travel impacts for parts of the province into Wednesday.

A widespread 5-10 cm of snow is expected, with heavier amounts possibly exceeding 30 cm for extreme southern sections. This snow is set to fall over just a 24-hour period, with quickly deteriorating driving conditions expected.

Tuesday into Wednesday

A front from northern British Columbia will track into Alberta and move south along the foothills Tuesday into Wednesday. Near the end of this system, the coastal low from B.C. will move into southern Alberta, helping to boost the snowfall accumulations.

Baron – AB snow precip – Jan15.jpg

Flurries will develop for the Edmonton area during the predawn hours on Tuesday, before pushing south and moving into Calgary through Tuesday evening. By the time all is said and done later on Wednesday, Calgary could end up seeing 10-20 cm of snow.

Southern sections including Claresholm , Lethbridge, and Pincher Creek will see some of the heaviest snowfall amounts with this system, with up to 35 cm falling over the 24-30 hour period into Wednesday.

Baron – AB snow totals – Jan15.jpg

Drivers are urged to plan ahead, and to adapt to the changing road conditions as the snow begins to pick up.

Extreme cold shatters record streaks

Record breaking temperatures and extreme cold have plagued the Prairies since last Thursday, with Edmonton airport recording five straight days in a row with -40°C, or colder, temperatures.

SEE ALSO: What is wind chill and why does it ‘feel’ so miserable?

This stretch ties the record for the longest streak of -40°C or colder. During the same time period, three of those days dropped below -45°C, making it the longest stretch of -45°C or colder temperatures for the airport.

Edmonton records.jpg

The relentless severe cold persisted in Calgary as well, as Friday saw a high of only -30.4°C, marking Calgary’s coldest day since February 1st, 1989 (-31.9°C).

Temperatures will slowly begin to rebound, warming by nearly 40 degrees over the week, pushing western Canada out of this brutal deep freeze.

Baron – Calgary 7 days.jpg

Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates for your weather across Alberta