Clipper brings variable snowfall, strong winds across Prairies

A fast-moving clipper system is creating highly variable weather conditions across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with shifting snowfall bands, strong winds and the potential for freezing rain and thunderstorms.

In Alberta, snowfall has been inconsistent, with amounts varying significantly over short distances. As of Tuesday, about nine centimetres had fallen in Peace River, while snow was only beginning in Slave Lake. Areas along frontal boundaries, including Edson and Hinton, saw around five centimetres fall quickly.

A band of snow moving along the cold front has weakened slightly as it stretches and accelerates, leading to reduced totals of two to four centimetres in the Edmonton region. However, the snow could still create minor disruptions during the evening commute.

Snowfall totals have been increased to between five and 10 centimetres in a narrow corridor from Barrhead to Lloydminster.

Additional convective snow bands continue to move across the Rockies and areas near Nordegg, while regions further south may see brief heavy flurries. Warmer temperatures above freezing in southern Alberta are expected to limit overall accumulation.

Meanwhile, strong winds have developed in southwestern Alberta, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h in some areas and as high as 110 km/h near Waterton Park.

Further east, forecast models remain uncertain on the exact track of the system as it moves into Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Current projections suggest the low-pressure system will reach southern Manitoba by Wednesday morning, bringing a swath of heavier snow north of its path.

By Wednesday evening, snowfall totals are expected to range from 10 to 15 centimetres in west-central Saskatchewan and 15 to 25 centimetres across parts of southern Manitoba, with higher amounts possible over elevated terrain.

Freezing rain is also possible in some areas.

In southern Saskatchewan, there is a risk of thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon as the cold front moves through.