Heavy snow and deep chill set to sweep across Alberta and Saskatchewan this week

A stretch of active weather will be passing through Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba this week, bringing with it almost everything winter has to offer.

Snow, freezing rain and a true winter chill are expected in waves, setting the stage for the coldest temperatures the Prairies have seen this season.

The first system comes through northern Alberta on Wednesday, dropping 5 to 15 centimetres of snow throughout the morning. By afternoon, the same system will spread approximately 5 centimetres across Saskatchewan, with periods of heavier snowfall forming as temperatures drop.

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Snow spreads east as mid-week systems track across the Prairies

As the cold front moves south, narrow bands of snow may develop along the busy QE2 corridor within Calgary and Red Deer late Wednesday. Local totals in these bands could be 5 to 10 centimetres or higher, particularly where snowfall persists.

Snow is expected to fall across much of Alberta overnight and Thursday before moving east. However, not everyone will have a clean snow event.

Communities from Medicine Hat to Assiniboia and points south may experience a messy mix of rain and freezing rain as temperatures hover near freezing.

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Late week storm could the heaviest snow of the pattern

Snow will continue in southern Alberta on Thursday as a weak system heads north from the U.S. Plains. The main event, however, is expected to arrive late Friday or Saturday with a strengthening Montana low.

It's still early, but 10 to 20 centimetres of snow are possible, with amounts varying as the system develops. Along with the snowfall, the Prairies will experience a rude awakening as true winter cold sets in.

Temperatures begin to drop Thursday in Alberta before spreading to Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Friday is expected to be the coldest day of the week, signalling a sharp shift toward more seasonably chilly temperatures.

Stay with The Weather Network for the latest updates across the Prairies