Prairie Weather (Rural Roots Canada) –   Either really warm or really cold.  Until the weather pattern flips on Sunday.

Thursday

Alberta

The upper ridge remains influential, although temporarily suppressed as a strong Arctic low moves east across the southern Arctic. Temperatures cool compared to earlier in the week but remain above seasonal averages, with highs near 5  in southern Alberta and near freezing farther north.  Expect mainly sunny conditions across Alberta, except for northeastern regions, where the Arctic low will produce some light snowfalls.

Strong northwesterly winds develop across eastern Alberta, creating potential challenges for livestock in exposed pastures. Dry weather continues, keeping winter field access and rural travel conditions generally favourable.

Saskatchewan

Strong winds dominate much of Saskatchewan as the Arctic system pushes southeast. Southern Saskatchewan may experience warning level wind gusts, increasing wind chill impacts for livestock despite relatively mild weather.  South of Prince Albert, expect highs between 0 and -5.   To the north, it will be much colder, with highs from -12 to -17.

Light snow and flurries develop mainly across eastern Saskatchewan. Due to recent melting and refreezing, widespread blowing snow is limited, though brief visibility reductions remain possible in heavier flurries.

Manitoba

As shown on the map below, Thursday will be a snowy day across much of Manitoba, with accumulating snowfall expected and travel conditions likely to deteriorate.

Snow spreads across southern and central Manitoba as a warm front lifts northward. Accumulations remain modest, but strengthening winds later in the day may lead to localized blowing snow in open agricultural areas.

Temperatures briefly rise toward or slightly above freezing, increasing the risk of surface icing before colder air arrives overnight.

Friday

Alberta

Cooler but seasonable winter weather persists with lighter winds and a mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation is expected. These conditions remain supportive for winter feeding, livestock movement, and rural operations.  In southern Alberta, highs will range from -6 to +1.  In central Alberta, highs will be close to -10, and in the northern part of Alberta, expect highs in the -15 to -20 degree range.

Saskatchewan

As the main low drops into northwestern Ontario, periods of light snow continue across eastern and southern Saskatchewan. Strong northerly winds create localized blowing snow, especially where fresh snowfall occurs.

While widespread drifting is limited due to a hardened snowpack, southwestern Saskatchewan remains an area to watch for overnight visibility reductions. Wind exposure remains the primary agricultural concern.

In southwestern Saskatchewan, highs will range from -6 to -10.   Central and southeastern Saskatchewan will experience highs near -15,  and in the north, highs will come in below -20.

Manitoba

Snow continues through the day, with total accumulations generally between 2 and 5 cm. Northerly winds increase, particularly across western Manitoba and the Interlake, leading to areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Colder Arctic air pushes south, increasing livestock stress and feed requirements heading into the weekend.  In southern Manitoba and the Interlake, expect highs between -15 and -20.   North of the lakes, highs will range from -20 to -25.

Saturday

A huge temperature contrast develops for the prairies on Saturday,  as warm air returns to Alberta and Manitoba plunges into a deep freeze.   Southern Alberta will be 30 degrees warmer than southern Manitoba.    The map below shows expected early evening temperatures on Saturday:

Alberta

The upper ridge rebuilds, allowing temperatures to rebound. Southern Alberta warms into the upper single digits, while central and northern regions climb a few degrees above freezing. Dry conditions persist, limiting concerns for snow accumulation or wind-related stress.   Late in the day, snow flurries may develop in far northeastern Alberta, coming from a surface low pressure system in northern Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan

Western Saskatchewan remains relatively mild under lingering upper-level ridging, while eastern Saskatchewan cools as Arctic high pressure advances aloft. Despite the temperature contrast, snow is expected across northern and central Saskatchewan as a weak surface low drops south from the Northwest Territories.

By late afternoon and evening, the band of snow will track southeast along the Manitoba boundary toward the U.S. border.  In northern Saskatchewan, expect accumulations of 5-10 cm.  Along the  Manitoba boundary south of the Yellowhead Highway, snowfall will be lighter with accumulations of 1-3 cm.

Overnight temperatures fall sharply, increasing wind chill risks for livestock, particularly across eastern Saskatchewan, where exposure and feed requirements will increase.

Manitoba

An incoming low-pressure system will bring snow to Manitoba late in the day. Snow begins during the afternoon across northern Manitoba and along the Saskatchewan boundary, extending as far south as the U.S. border.

By evening, the low moves toward the northern tip of Lake Winnipeg, allowing snow to expand across most of the province.  Snowfall amounts will be generally less than 10 cm, except in the far north.

Ahead of the system, expect a mix of sun and cloud earlier in the day. Temperatures remain cold across Manitoba, with daytime highs ranging from -16 to -23, increasing energy demands for livestock.

Sunday

Alberta

Colder air returns to Alberta, particularly in the south, where daytime highs fall below freezing for the first time in more than a week.  Southern Alberta and the foothills south of Highway 3: Highs of -2 to -5.  Central and northern Alberta: Highs between -10 and -15.

A surface ridge of Arctic high pressure moves into the province, reinforcing the cooler conditions. A weak upslope flow may generate brief flurries in the Alberta foothills, mainly south of the Yellowhead Highway toward the U.S. border.

Saskatchewan

The southern half of Saskatchewan starts Sunday with light snow, as the region lies on the northwestern side of a low tracking into North Dakota along Manitoba’s Red River Valley.  As the system pulls away, snow tapers off and clearing skies develop through the afternoon and evening.  Snowfall accumulations will be light; generally less than 5 cm.  High temperatures range from -15 to -20, except in southwestern Saskatchewan, where readings may be about 5 degrees warmer

Manitoba

The low responsible for Saturday’s snow continues to affect southern and central Manitoba early Sunday before moving south along the Red River Valley into the United States.

As the system departs, snow tapers off and clearing conditions spread across the province. By evening, dry weather returns province wide. Temperatures remain cold, with daytime highs near -20, increasing feed requirements and livestock stress.

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