‘Be patient’: Saskatchewan will get into a warmer spring eventually

The temperatures in southern Saskatchewan this weekend are expected to be downright balmy, compared with the what much of the area experienced earlier in the week.

An Alberta Clipper slammed parts of central and southern Saskatchewan overnight on April 7, and continued on April 8, bringing around 16 cm of snow to Saskatoon and 18 cm Prince Albert. Meadow Lake was one of the hardest hit areas, with about 35 cm of snow reported.

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But this weekend, Shannon Moodie, meteorologist with Environment Canada, said it’s going to be fairly warm and sunny, comparatively speaking.

“We have a low pressure system that’s going to be developing throughout the day. And ahead of that low pressure system, there’s a nice, wonderful southerly flow that’s just bringing all this warm air into Saskatchewan.

“It’s been a bit of a slow spring, so I think it’s really a bright spot… and it’s happening on a weekend. It’s just fabulous.”

The low pressure system is expected to bring some rain and even a few lightening strikes overnight, and then cooler temperatures to start off next week.

By Wednesday or Thursday though, central and southern Saskatchewan could once again see more snow.

“There is a potential mid-week… that there could be a system moving through that may bring some cooler temperatures and possibly a few flurries.

“But we are still in April … so it’s not unexpected at this time, but I can say eventually, yes, we will get into warmer spring,” she explained.

Moodie said normal temperatures for southern Saskatchewan for this time of year hover around 11 C during the day, and around -3 C at night.

For those who are itching for the heat, Moodie said there isn’t once specific cause for the late start to springtime.

“Fall and spring do tend to be quite variable. And I think people are a little bit more passionate in the spring about wanting it to warm up, because they’ve just come out of this long winter,” she added.

For now, Moodie said a bit more patience is required, and if there are any warnings or significant snowfalls still expected next week, they’ll send out bulletins.

For now though, she said it’s too early to tell just how much snow may be expected, or where exactly it could hit.

Read more:

• Former Sask. Mountie convicted of voyeurism, having child sex abuse material
• Kindersley vehicle rollover leaves one man dead
• ‘Critical role’: Lack of municipal CAO contributed to Sandy Bay financial woes