Article content

If you noticed that chinook arch in the western sky this week, you know what that means. Calgary is in for a warming trend.

The Environment Canada seven-day forecast says Calgary is about to bust out of the cool, cloudy weather. Today’s afternoon flurries should be the last precipitation we’ll see for some time.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Frozen pipes and flooded streets as forecast calls for 23 C by next week Back to video

Friday’s high is forecast to hit 4 C under sunny skies, and it only gets better, with a forecast of 11 C by Monday and 23 C on Wednesday. The Weather Network is less optimistic, calling for a high of 17 C on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Less than two weeks ago, if you recall, most of Alberta was shivering under extreme cold warnings, with the wind chill hitting -45 C.

Photo by City of Calgary

Even with the warmer weather, the city is struggling to keep up with a surge in frozen water pipes and water main breaks.

Chris Huston, manager of water distribution for the city, says melting temperatures do not affect what is happening below ground, where frost levels are deeper than normal. In fact, melting snow only causes additional problems for city workers, who are also tasked with clearing pooling water on the streets.

Huston expects the problems to continue for a few more weeks until the frost recedes.

The city has posted advice here for residents on how to cope with frozen lines and pooling water as the temperature rises.