Another winter storm hit Saskatchewan Monday with cold temperatures further complication the next few days. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW and meadowlakeNOW Staff

Weather

Blizzard hits the Battlefords, Meadow Lake sees heavy snowfall

Jan 31, 2022 | 5:46 PM

Another mild week of weather in Saskatchewan was upset by stormy conditions.

Blizzard and snowfall warnings from Environment Canada are in place throughout the province as yet another Alberta clipper makes its way through each region.

Low visibility, slippery roads and frigid wind chills are uniform.

Meteorologist Terri Lang described the process as a low pressure system developing in the province to the west and blasting across the prairies with strong winds and blowing snow causing low visibility.

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“We get snow, we get wind and then we get colder temperatures,” she said. “Expect snow and blowing snow, especially on the highways. It’s not going to be a great day to be out there.”

Meadow Lake no longer has a warning in place, but snow continues to accumulate with gusts of wind still varying between 40-60 km/h. The Battlefords is still experiencing blizzard conditions with gusts up to 50 km/h and blowing snow that will eventually change to light snow. Both areas are expected to see between five to 15 centimetres fall over the course of 24 hours.

Meadow Lake streets as snowfall began to pick up on Monday. (Matt Ryan/meadowlakeNOW)

Lang said the trees in Meadow Lake’s region are helping to prevent blowing snow.

“That’s why you don’t see blizzard warnings for the central part of the province,” she said. “When broken down by trees, the visibility isn’t as reduced.”

The light snow from this system are expected to leave behind another significant cleanup for road crews and driving conditions are expected to stay less than ideal till at least late Tuesday morning. Given the immediate temperature drop and snowy conditions, advisories are being sent out for motorists to postpone unnecessary travel.

Saskatchewan RCMP said in a media release that officers have observed hazardous roads, which is worsening in several parts of the province and resulting in an increased number of traffic related calls and collisions. Some reminders for those who must drive included stocking winter clothing, candles, matches and other materials in the vehicle.

“Be prepared for winter conditions and be prepared for the temperature change as well,” Lang said.

Winter conditions don’t end with the current storm. A ridge of high pressure will help temperatures plummet in the next few days, with a low of -22 C forecast for both the Battlefords and Meadow Lake. The next few days have highs of -19 C, -23 C and -22 C Tuesday to Thursday, with Wednesday evening as the coldest point of the week. Extreme cold warnings are expected to be issued.

By the weekend, warmth may begin to occur, but Lang said not all the models agree, with blasts of artic air tending to win out. The forecast currently has the Battlefords warming to -6 C on Sunday, with Meadow Lake reaching -7 C.

“We’ll see if it does actually move out,” Lang said.

For the latest in road conditions, check Highway Hotline.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW