Freezing rain warnings issued for south, central Sask.

While the province continues to embrace warmer than normal temperatures, freezing rain is expected to cool things down to start the week.

Environment Canada issued a number of warnings Monday morning for the City of Regina, along with regions in central and southeastern Saskatchewan.

“The main threat would be slippery roads and sidewalks,” said Mark Melsness, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

Freezing rain warnings are issued when rain falling in sub-zero temperatures creates ice buildup and icy surfaces.

Power outages are also more likely to occur as a result of freezing rain.

Environment Canada said a low pressure system will first start to develop over southern Saskatchewan Monday morning.  From this, freezing rain and snow is predicted shortly before noon over central Saskatchewan.

Areas expected to be hit hardest are those north and east of Saskatoon, especially out toward Melfort, Humboldt and Kamsack, and up around Prince Albert.

Meanwhile, Saskatoon will likely steer clear of the worst as Environment Canada predicts a high of 2 C Monday.  

“Initially things may get a wee bit icy (in the city), but we do expect it to switch over to rain,” Melsness said.

As for the rest of the week, the meteorologist said there are no major systems affecting Saskatchewan.

Most areas in the province are expected to once again see above normal temperatures.

Seasonal temperatures right now would be lows of -11 C and highs of -3 C.

Saskatoon is expected to hover around 0 C throughout the week, with a slight chance of flurries Tuesday and sunshine into the weekend.