A low-pressure centre from Alberta is bringing some much-needed moisture into Saskatchewan beginning this afternoon (Tues). Environment Canada Meteorologist Brian Proctor says although snow in April isn’t often welcomed, this is moisture that will help alleviate long term drought concerns for the province. However, there will be less rain and snow than originally anticipated. Proctor says the province will begin to see rain showers and then a few flurries overnight.

He forecasts the snow to pick up tomorrow morning (Wed). “It really looks like it’s going to be wet snow, or mixed rain and snow, so we’re not going to see tremendous accumulations of it. I think through the day on Wednesday, maybe 2-4 centimetres is likely what we’re going to see.”

The heaviest snowfalls will be mainly affecting the north-east and the far south of the province. “Areas heading out towards Hudson Bay and that portion of the province will likely see more snowfall than areas through the south. It is possible that we may see a bit more precipitation and snowfall accumulation down on the Cypress Hills, but I don’t think you’ll see a tremendous amount for the Saskatoon-to-Regina corridor.” He adds that the Saskatoon-to-Regina region will mainly see rain, strong winds, and below-seasonal temperatures.

Following the precipitation, daytime highs will take a few days to return to seasonal but should be back to normal by the upcoming work week. “We’re looking at daytime highs: Thursday -3 for Saskatoon, Friday +1, Saturday +5, Sunday +10, Monday +12.”

He adds that the roads might be slushy on Wednesday and Thursday, but he doesn’t anticipate any ice or blowing snow that would heavily impact driving conditions. “I don’t think we’re going to see a lot of blowing snow once the moisture hits the ground. It’s going to be snow that’s going to stick when it hits the ground to a large degree, but you’re going to see that falling snow blowing around before it reaches the ground.”