Residents of Airdrie and surrounding Rocky View County should brace for messy commutes and unsettled weather as winter returns later this week.
"We did issue a special weather statement this afternoon, just to highlight that there is going to be a change in the weather over the Airdrie and Calgary areas," said Heather Pimiskern, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Two weather systems are set to affect the area. The first arrives Tuesday evening, March 25, 2025, bringing showers overnight that transition into a rain-snow mix by Wednesday morning, March 26, 2025. "By the time people wake up tomorrow morning, we are expecting that there could be some rain-snow mix around Calgary and Airdrie, and that will persist into the afternoon before things taper off," Pimiskern explained.
The second, more substantial system arrives Wednesday night and continues into Thursday, March 27, as precipitation pushes southward from the mountains and leads to considerably adverse conditions. "What does that mean exactly for the Airdrie area? Well, it just means a messier commute, probably Thursday afternoon, and that will continue into the evening and overnight period and Friday as well," said Pimiskern.
Significant snowfall accumulations, however, are not anticipated for Airdrie and Calgary. Rainfall overnight Tuesday could total two to five millimeters, but minimal snow accumulation is expected. Elsewhere in central Alberta, snowfall between 5 and 20 centimeters is expected by Friday morning, March 28, with up to 25 centimeters possible near the Rocky Mountains and Grande Prairie.
Environment Canada reports moderate confidence in the total snowfall accumulation predictions due to warm temperatures earlier in the week. "I would definitely say this is not the last snowstorm we'll see. So don't take those winter tires off quite yet," Pimiskern cautioned, advising residents to prepare for the upcoming storms.
The forecast as of Tuesday afternoon calls for cloudy skies overnight with periods of rain mixed with light snow and a low of plus 1 degree. On Wednesday, the mixed precipitation ends by afternoon, followed by cloudy conditions with highs reaching plus 5 degrees. Overnight conditions will clear partially, with lows near plus 1.
Thursday's forecast includes rain with highs near plus 2, turning to snow overnight as temperatures drop to minus 7. Cloudy skies are expected to persist into Friday, with highs around minus 3 and a 60 percent chance of flurries overnight, with lows near minus 8.
Cloudy conditions with highs near minus 2 and overnight lows around minus 7 are forecasted through the weekend, including continued chances of flurries on Saturday night.
Pimiskern warned residents that travelers may face hazardous conditions on Thursday due to the weather. "Make sure you plan for that. If you don't have to make any travel plans for Thursday, you might be better off staying home," she advised.
In sum, the return of winter weather to Airdrie and central Alberta signifies a notable shift from the recent balmy temperatures. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, prepare for fluctuating conditions, and ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter travel as they navigate potentially hazardous roads in the coming days.
