PRAIRIES | Winter's early arrival

Snow is falling in Alberta, the biggest round is still ahead

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Digital writers

theweathernetwork.com

Friday, September 21, 2018, 11:33 AM - September snow records have already been broken in Alberta as rounds of snow put an end to the summer season. More shovel-able snow is forecast through Saturday with warnings to drivers for deteriorating road conditions. More on the snowfall amounts and timing, below

(Visit our Complete Guide to Fall 2018 for an in depth look at the Fall Forecast, tips to plan for it and a sneak peek at winter)

WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:

Chilly pattern persists across Alberta into the weekend, spreading across Saskatchewan for the weekend

Accumulating snow expected through Saturday in Alberta, and eventually spilling across the rest of the Prairies

Milder weather may really struggle to spread east of the Rockies; temperatures will be slightly milder, but still below seasonal, next week

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Cold September air and rounds of snow gave parts of Alberta the "first widespread measured snowfall event" last week. The city of Edmonton (reported at Edmonton International Airport YEG) has actually experienced its snowiest September on record, with six consecutive days of snowfall and over 20 cm reported in total as of Friday. That beat the previous record of 12.9 cm back in 1965.

Snow was once again reported across the Capital region Friday morning as rounds of moisture bring more wintry weather.

GOODBYE SUMMER: RESIDENTS IN SHERWOOD PARK WAKE UP TO SNOW





FRIDAY

A weak system is cruising over central Alberta Friday, dropping snow over the QEII and Yellowhead, including the City of Edmonton and cool rain showers near Calgary and Drumheller through the morning hours. The rain/snow mix will spread east across central Saskatchewan, mainly along the Yellowhead between Lloydminster and Saskatoon throughout the day, leaving scattered flurries across Alberta. Beware: This is just a teaser before the main event.





FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH THE WEEKEND

A moisture-packed system spills over the Rockies Friday through Saturday from British Columbia, bringing a widespread swath of accumulating snowfall. Meanwhile, an Arctic high sliding south will add to the storm's potency, forcing cool easterly winds into the Foothills and creating upsloping conditions, enhancing snowfall for some regions.

Snow will first pick up in intensity throughout the Rockies, including Banff and Jasper, before invading the Foothills Friday afternoon and evening. Driving along the Icefields Parkway and Trans Canada, 11 and Yellowhead highways into the mountains will be slippery and potentially dangerous. Motorists are advised to drive with caution.

The snow will fall once again along the QEII starting Friday evening between Calgary and Edmonton and continue through Saturday with accumulating snowfall and patchy freezing rain south of Calgary.

CLICK TO PLAY: SNOW TIMING THROUGH SATURDAY