A small amount of snowfall could be in the cards, while temperatures increase in the Battlefords and Meadow Lake. (file/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW and meadowlakeNOW Staff

Averages increasing

Warmer temperatures, possible flurries ahead this weekend

Feb 25, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Following another cold snap, North West Saskatchewan is headed towards a warmer week,

This afternoon’s temperature in communities like the Battlefords represents a nearly 10 degree increase in the region from Thursday, with highs -8°C in North Battleford and -7°C in Meadow Lake. The next few days are expected to average around this, with an average overnight low of -12°C on Saturday.

Alysa Pederson, Meteorologist for Environment Canada, told battlefordsNOW that with March around the corner, the chances of future cold snaps like the last one are unlikely.

“Warming up looks like it’s lasting into next week,” she said. “Thursday was your last day of really cold temperatures.”

Driving conditions are likely to still take a hit. Pederson said a weather system developing Sunday could bring a few centimetres of snow. In Meadow Lake, which stands in between warmer air coming through the Battlefords from Alberta and colder air in the North, there’s a 60 per cent chance of flurries Saturday evening, with periods of snow Sunday night and Monday morning.

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“Meadow Lake and La Ronge are going to be getting a little more cloud and flurries,” Pederson said.

“It could be a couple of centimetres, but it’s not expected to be heavy, wet snow.”

The temperatures over the next few days are still cold enough it shouldn’t be enough to cause melting, as anything near 0°C on a sunny day can see melting on roads. However, Pederson said motorists should have their focus on the one or two cm of snow that fall this weekend.

“Sometimes little amounts like that can lead to slippery road conditions,” she said. “But the freeze-thaw shouldn’t be a concern.”

By Tuesday, another bump in temperature is expected, though much smaller than this week. The Battlefords is forecast to hit highs of around -2°C on Tuesday, and Wednesday, with Meadow Lake getting to around -4°C.

Pederson said the province can get ready for more favourable conditions soon, noting that February is usually the coldest month. However, she added that lower than average temperatures are expected in March and possibly April, which could mean some days into the -20°C range. Until things warm well above freezing, she recommended people keep taking precautions, such as having a winter kit in the vehicle on the off chance you’re stranded.

“Be aware of the road conditions if you do have to travel, but things are looking pretty pleasant as we go into the weekend.”

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW