SASKATCHEWAN — A couple of weather alerts have been issued by Environment Canada for Saskatchewan on Oct. 11.
A snowfall warning is in effect for nearly 40 RMs in southwest and south-central Saskatchewan. Assiniboia, Shaunavon and Maple Creek are among the affected communities.
According to Environment Canada, a low-pressure system is developing in Montana and will spread a band of heavier snow into southwest Saskatchewan.
"Latest indications continue to intensify this system, increasing the amount of snow forecast for the warned area," Environment Canada said.
A passing cold front will bring northerly winds and snowfall to the higher terrain of the Cypress Hills on Oct. 11, the warning states. Local accumulations of up to five centimetres are possible. The bulk of the snow moves in the evening of Oct. 11 for elsewhere in the southwest, with heavy snow continuing into the morning of Oct. 12 and tapering off later in the day.
Final snowfall amounts will be variable due to melting, but 10-20 centimetres of heavier, wet snow is anticipated, Environment Canada said.
A special weather statement for those 39 RMs has been lifted, but another special weather statement has been issued for the cities of Regina and Moose Jaw, along with communities in dozens of RMs in southern and central Saskatchewan due to a mix of rain and snow expected for the evening of Oct. 11 and into Oct. 12.
Environment Canada said five to 10 centimetres of wet snow could accumulate.
"Precipitation will begin as rain later today [Oct. 11] but will become mixed with increasing snow through the night as temperatures drop back to 0 C," the forecast said. "Temperatures will linger near the freezing mark through Monday [Oct. 12] with continued snowfall before tapering off Monday night.
"Final accumulations will vary widely due to a combination of melting from milder ground temperatures and changes to precipitation type and intensity. Broadly, five centimetres of heavy, wet snow is anticipated, with locally higher amounts."
Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly due to a combination of accumulating snow, sudden poor visibility and icy patches, Environment Canada said. Take frequent breaks when shovelling snow.
When skies clear on Oct. 13, any fallen snow will swiftly melt away as temperatures rebound for the remainder of the week.
SaskToday will have updates as they become available.
