We will likely see more of this in the coming days. (file photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Snowfall warning

Snowfall warning issued as spring storm approaches the region

Mar 23, 2020 | 12:00 PM

Enjoy your time outdoors while practicing social distancing today, because you will likely be spending quality time with your shovel tomorrow.

A weather system with heavy snow is passing through north-central and northeast Saskatchewan over the next day or so. A snowfall warning has been issued.

“We will see snow start to move in this evening and continue overnight and through the day tomorrow,” Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Terri Lang told northeastNOW.

Lang said they are expecting significant snow with the system, “probably in the 15 to 20 cm range, and that would fall within about 24 hours.”

The snow should taper off later in the day on Tuesday, but Lang said the snow isn’t the only concern.

RPCN Artist

'Felt like a movie': Chris Chipak making waves in the art world

3h ago

Award Winner

Hawks netminder among SJHL weekly award winners

4h ago

strong reputation

North Battleford wins gold in provincial volleyball championship

4h ago

“We’re going to have some fairly gusty winds, especially in those exposed areas, so we’re probably going to see some blowing and drifting snow along with that as well,” Lang said.

She said the snow should taper off quite quickly on either side of the ridge that is expected to come through the Prince Albert, Melfort, and Hudson Bay areas. Areas south of the ridge could also see some freezing rain, and Lang recommended checking the Highway Hotline before travel during and after the precipitation.

The warmer temperatures could lead to the snow being quite wet and heavy, Lang said. She expected the largest snowfall amounts in the overnight period.

After the system passes, a ridge of Arctic pressure is expected to make its way into the region, bringing with it colder temperatures. Lang said the cooler weather should only stick around for a day or so before a return to seasonal conditions.

She said significant snowfall and rapid temperature changes are common this time of year.

“We tend to see these big swings in temperatures and these heavy snows through March and April in particular,” Lang said, as the warm air from the south clashes with the Arctic air lurking to the north.

The average daytime high this time of year is 1 Celsius.

–

cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974