Prairie Travel Faces Major Disruptions as Winter Storms Intensify
So right now, a major winter blast is sweeping across the Prairies, and it’s shaping up to be one of those weeks where travel plans, daily routines, and even simple errands could be thrown completely off track. A combination of heavy snow, freezing rain, and powerful winds is being reported, and winter storm alerts have already been issued across several parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. If anyone was hoping for a gentle start to the season, this is definitely not it.
The week is being dominated by a series of fast-moving Alberta clippers, each one bringing its own messy mix of weather. Some regions are expected to see more than 20 cm of snow, while wind gusts could reach up to 90 km/h. That kind of force can quickly turn a normal highway drive into a dangerous zero-visibility situation, and road closures are expected to be possible. Even areas that don’t get hit with the heaviest snow may still face freezing rain or icy stretches that make driving extremely risky.
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One of the more significant systems is developing over southern Alberta and pushing into southern Saskatchewan. Because temperatures will vary sharply across the region, the weather could shift from blowing snow to freezing rain and then to cold showers within a short distance. Places like Kindersley, Regina, and Estevan may be dealing with narrow bands of freezing rain on Tuesday morning, which is exactly the kind of setup that makes roads slick and unpredictable.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall is expected through southeastern Saskatchewan and into southwestern Manitoba. The exact totals are still uncertain, but forecasters believe that anywhere from 10 to 20+ cm could accumulate in certain pockets. And just as one system moves out, another clipper is expected on Wednesday, followed by yet another later in the week. Edmonton and northern Alberta are also in line for repeated rounds of snow as these systems move through.
But the story doesn’t end with the snowfall. Once the storms pass, a brutal wave of Arctic air will settle in. Temperatures in many areas will plunge into the -20s and -30s, with Edmonton forecast to drop to near -40°C overnight by the end of the week. That would make it one of the coldest nights the city has seen since early 2024. Saskatchewan and Manitoba will feel the freeze shortly after, with daytime highs stuck around -30°C in places like Saskatoon.
Given how extreme these conditions are becoming, cold weather safety is being strongly emphasized. Dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, swapping out wet clothing quickly, and staying hydrated with warm non-caffeinated drinks are all essential steps. Eating high-calorie food helps the body maintain warmth, and seeking shelter from the wind—even behind a simple landscape feature—can make a huge difference.
With multiple storm systems lining up and intense cold right behind them, this week will require extra caution for anyone travelling or working outdoors on the Prairies. Staying informed, staying prepared, and staying safe will be the priority as winter makes its presence unmistakably clear.
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