We could see some melting over the coming days as warm weather returns. (File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Warmth is here

Old Man Winter’s grip on Saskatchewan loosens as warmth arrives

Feb 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM

The deep freeze is over, and it looks like the warmer weather will stick around for a while.

Brian Proctor of Environment and Climate Change Canada told northeastNOW that temperatures will remain above normal into next week.

“Warm weather looks like it’s going to be with us right through the end of February, maybe into early March at this point in time,” said Proctor.

Temperatures will cool slightly midway through next week, but Proctor said the warm conditions will generally stay for the near future.

That’s a far cry from the past few weeks that saw daytime highs below –20 C and evening lows approaching –40 C, not even factoring in the wind chill.

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Proctor said the warmest day could be on Sunday, with highs expected to be around 4 or 5 C. That’s well above the average daytime high for this time of year at –8 C.

There may not be much in the way of sunshine during the warm-up, however. Proctor said a band of precipitation will stretch across the northern grain belt and southern boreal forest area, with flurries off-and-on during the next few days. He added that areas north of North Battleford, through Prince Albert and north to La Ronge could see more in the way of precipitation than other areas.

“The further north you go, the northwest you go in the province, the better chance you are going to be seeing more organized snowfall.”

The wind could be a little stronger than normal, especially on Sunday. Proctor said the wind shouldn’t be a major issue, while the colder weather of the past few weeks has hardened a lot of the snow and meant drifting is a little less likely when the wind picks up. There could be more blowing snow during the coming days if we get more snow, said Proctor.

The warmer weather may also lead to some icy patches on highways. Proctor said the pavement moisture could result in some patches of black ice, and he recommends checking the Highway Hotline before venturing out.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com