Calgary is bracing for a significant snow dump starting Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as Environment Canada forecasts a mix of rain and snow transitioning into heavy snowfall by the evening. The weather agency has issued warnings indicating that the city could see anywhere between five to ten centimeters of snow, with some areas possibly exceeding 15 centimeters. This sudden winter-like weather is expected to create challenging commuting conditions, particularly with visibility being reduced during heavy snowfall.
Alyssa Pederson, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, explained that Calgary is currently under the influence of low pressure systems moving from the northwest along the Rockies, bringing colder air from the Arctic. "We’ll get the snow over the next couple of days, but then the sun is so strong that that snow is actually likely to melt by the weekend," she noted. The forecast indicates that warmer, dry conditions will return to Calgary by the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach up to 22°C on Sunday, April 6, 2025, and 23°C on Monday, April 7, 2025.
The snowfall is set to begin this afternoon, April 1, and is expected to continue through to Wednesday morning, April 2. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the precipitation will initially start as a rain/snow mix before turning into heavy snow later in the day. Residents are advised to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
As the snowfall intensifies, drivers are being urged to exercise caution. The rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult, and visibility may be significantly reduced at times. The ECCC has recommended that residents take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion while clearing snow from their properties.
In addition to Calgary, parts of western Alberta are also under a heavy snowfall warning. The forecast indicates that areas in the foothills could receive up to 20 centimeters of snow, particularly as a developing low pressure system taps into moisture from a system moving northward from the United States. Global News meteorologist Tiffany Lizée emphasized that snowfall warnings might expand into the southern Rockies as the weather system tracks further south.
Overall, Calgary could see total snowfall amounts reaching between 15 to 30 centimeters over the next 48 hours, especially in higher elevations. While the towns of Banff and Lake Louise are not under the heavy snowfall warning, they are still expected to receive some snow, with forecasts predicting around four to eight centimeters.
Interestingly, this late-season snow is not entirely unusual for Calgary. March is typically the snowiest month of the year for the city, while April ranks as the second snowiest. Lizée pointed out that residents should not be surprised by this weather pattern, as winter's grip often lingers into the early days of April.
Despite the impending snow, the forecast indicates a rapid warm-up by the weekend. Temperatures are expected to rise sharply, with highs in the high teens predicted for southern Alberta by Monday, April 7, 2025. This quick shift from winter to spring will likely lead to the melting of the new snow, making way for a more typical spring weather pattern.
As the city prepares for this wintery weather, residents are reminded to stay informed about the latest forecasts and to take necessary precautions while traveling. The weather is a stark reminder that even as spring approaches, winter can still make its presence felt in Calgary.
In summary, residents of Calgary should brace for a significant snow event starting this evening, with the potential for heavy accumulations that could impact travel and visibility. However, the forecast for warmer temperatures later in the week provides a silver lining, suggesting that the cold snap may be short-lived.
