Cold air outbreak may lead to first Prairie snow for some this week

As we make our way through the first week of October, a cold weather outbreak will span parts of the Prairies, with evens signs of the first snowflakes of the season flying in some areas.

A cold frontal system will race across the Prairies, packing gusty winds and opening up a "cold air highway" simultaneously.

Visit our Complete Guide to Fall 2023 for an in-depth look at the Fall Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more!

Thursday

Areas: Northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and central Saskatchewan

Timing: Through the day Thursday

Weather: Snowflakes may fly Thursday as the first cold air outbreak of the season escapes from northern Canada onto parts of the Prairies.

Parts of northern Alberta and Saskatchewan have the best chance for seeing the snowy change, meanwhile others may not actually see October's wintry side, but will surely feel it.

All beginning early Thursday, northern Alberta, as well as north and central Saskatchewan, may see temperatures hovering around the freezing mark. Timed with the incoming precipitation, these regions may wake up to a rain-snow mix, if not full blown snowflakes by Thursday morning.

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Into the afternoon, we could record the coldest daytime highs of the season, only just scraping into the single digits. This will limit snowfall accumulation on surfaces, especially the further south you are.

It's now that time of year where we need to remember the term windchill. Feels like values will peak near 2 from Cold Lake through to Regina Thursday afternoon.

The widespread cool down is due to a gusty northerly wind that follows the system. Wind gusts up to 60 km/h or greater are likely in a large corridor of the two provinces, from Edmonton through to Estevan.

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Remember, it is October after all, and it's a month where unusually warm temperatures are just as normal as a Prairie snowfall.

Be sure to check back for the latest weather forecasts across the Prairies.