Local News
Winter makes an early appearance in Moose Jaw, but warmer weather is on the way
Mother Nature has given Moose Jaw a taste of winter, but residents shouldn't expect the snow to stick around for very long. A weather system moving through southern Saskatchewan brought rain and wet snow to the city Tuesday afternoon and overnight into Wednesday, leaving a blanket of white across the community. Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor says Moose Jaw received an estimated two to four centimetres of snow, although accumulation varied depending on the surface. "I'm seeing out at the airport (Moose Jaw Municipal Airport); they've reported 2 centimeters in the last six hours on the ground," says Proctor. "From what I can see overall, I would sort of say 2 to 4 is probably what we're seeing in Moose Jaw, with lesser amounts on the roadways and sidewalks and heavier amounts over the grass surfaces and roof surfaces of houses." Despite the accumulation, Proctor says the snowfall hasn't been particularly intense, with visibility remaining relatively good throughout the event. Snow expected to taper off Wednesday evening The unsettled conditions are expected to continue through much of Wednesday, with temperatures potentially climbing enough to turn the snow back into rain. Proctor says residents could see a mixture of precipitation before the system moves out of the area. "We're expecting the temperature to pop up a little bit maybe today too, which may be enough to push it back over to mixed rain sort of at times this afternoon," added Proctor. "In general terms, what we see this morning is what we're going to have for much of the day today, maybe mixed with rain in the afternoon, maybe lingering a little bit into the early evening, but then it should be basically done." The weather system is tracking northeast, with areas farther north in Saskatchewan expected to receive more snow than communities across the southern portion of the province. Proctor says much of the system's energy is affecting Alberta, where some areas have already recorded higher snowfall totals. An area outside Edmonton received about six centimetres of snow, with more expected through Wednesday and possibly into Thursday. Related Stories: Widespread power outages reported across Moose Jaw and surrounding area SGI offers winter driving reminders following first snowfall Snow-covered highways, icy conditions making travel difficult between Swift Current and Moose Jaw ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Warmer temperatures expected ahead of Halloween While Moose Jaw residents woke up to winter-like conditions Wednesday, the forecast is looking much more promising heading into the weekend. A combination of warmer temperatures and relatively mild ground conditions is expected to melt much of the snow. Proctor says the warming trend should become more noticeable as the weekend approaches. "Daytime highs are sort of drifting upwards as we approach the weekend. We're looking at a mixture of sun and cloud kind of days for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, but our temperatures are going to go plus three, plus three, plus eight for Saturday at this point in time." Sunday could be even warmer, with a forecast high of 9 C and an overnight low of 3 C. For comparison, Proctor says Moose Jaw's average daytime high for this time of year is approximately 6 C, with overnight lows around -5 C. He expects above-average temperatures to continue into the beginning of November. "We're definitely warmer than normal through the overnight hours especially." The improving conditions could also be welcome news for families preparing for Halloween on Saturday. Proctor believes much of the snow will disappear before trick-or-treaters head out. "So that's going to really melt a lot of it off and it looks like those warm temperatures are going to hold into the first work week of November as well." No major weather systems on the horizon After Wednesday's snowfall, southern Saskatchewan could be in for a relatively quiet stretch of weather. While there is a possibility of rain early next week, Proctor says there are no other significant systems currently expected to affect the region in the immediate future. "The one we got today is really the bigger weather maker we see in about the next 8 to 10 days." Although the return to warmer weather will be welcomed by many residents, Proctor is reminding motorists that the recent snowfall is a sign that winter driving conditions are approaching. With wet and slushy roads possible Wednesday, drivers are encouraged to adjust their habits and allow additional time when travelling. "It's really this time of the year, it's sort of time for us to start adjusting our driving habits more than anything else. So just be aware of that if you're out and about and have to be out doing things. If you have to go out and you can delay until the afternoon hours, that's probably a better bet."