Calgarians are bracing for a sudden return of winter as a significant weather system is set to blanket the city and surrounding areas with snow starting Sunday evening, April 20, 2025. According to forecasts, rainfall during the day is expected to transition into snowfall, accumulating up to a foot in some regions.
660 NewsRadio Meteorologist Kevin Stanfield reported that a large system forming across the Rockies will initially bring rain and possible thundershowers to Calgary, but this will quickly change to snow as temperatures drop. "Most snowfall models are putting us over 10 cm of snow, with some areas west of the city calling for 10-15 and up to 20 cm of snow," he explained.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued snowfall warnings for various regions, indicating a 30 percent chance of flurries or rain showers on Sunday afternoon, with about five centimeters of snow expected by evening. The temperature is anticipated to hover around 1°C on Monday, April 21, 2025, with snow accumulation predicted to reach 10 cm by the end of the day.
Warnings have been particularly focused on areas northwest of Calgary, including Rocky View County, Airdrie, Crossfield, and Cochrane, where heavy and wet snow is expected to fall. The ECCC noted that confidence is increasing that these areas will receive a substantial amount of snow, with warnings indicating that snowfall could exceed 10 cm on Monday.
As the storm approaches, visibility may be significantly reduced during heavy snowfall, creating hazardous conditions on highways and roads. The ECCC has advised drivers to slow down, watch for tail lights ahead, and be prepared to stop. They also recommend taking frequent breaks and avoiding strain when clearing snow.
In anticipation of the severe weather, the City of Calgary has postponed its Deerfoot Spring Cleanup, originally scheduled for Monday, to Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The decision reflects the city's commitment to ensuring public safety amid the inclement weather.
Calgary is not alone in facing this winter blast; surrounding areas are also under snowfall warnings. ECCC meteorologist Heather Pimiskern indicated that southern and central Alberta could see snowfall amounts ranging from 10 to 20 cm by Monday night. "We are going to see a mixture of rain and snow in and around the Calgary area," she stated. "At this point in time, we have a forecast of roughly five centimeters expected for tonight and then snowfall amounts possibly reaching 10 centimeters by Monday."
Despite the current winter weather, warmer temperatures are on the horizon. Forecasters predict that Calgary will experience a warming trend throughout the week, with temperatures expected to rise to a high of 13°C by Thursday, April 24, 2025, and potentially reaching between 15 and 20°C by the weekend.
Spring snowstorms are not uncommon in Alberta, as noted by Pimiskern. "We do typically see systems like these that produce snowfall warnings in Alberta even into early May," she said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the region's weather.
As the city prepares for the impending storm, residents are advised to stay informed about the weather conditions and to follow safety guidelines to navigate the challenging driving conditions expected in the coming days. With the promise of warmer weather ahead, Calgarians can look forward to a return to spring-like conditions, albeit after a brief but significant winter interruption.
