Tell me it's May in Alberta without telling me it's May in Alberta
Active May weather is bringing a dizzying array of conditions to the Prairies this week, as spring truly lives up to its reputation as a transitional -- and temperamental -- season. Everything from mid-summer heat and thunderstorms, to single digit temperatures and snow have been hitting the region, as an amplified pattern takes shape ahead of the May long weekend.
MUST SEE: A long weekend forecast for everyone, Canada
As a cold front sliced through Alberta on Tuesday, the precipitation changed from rain to wet, fluffy snow through central sections of the province, including the city of Edmonton. A special weather statement was issued warning of poor travel as the snow quickly accumulated.
Temperatures have also collapsed into the single digits beneath an upper level trough, setting the stage for more significant late-season snow for Thursday and Friday.
SEE: Brace for a wintry sting as heavy snow threatens Prairies ahead of long weekend
"Intrigued and a bit concerned with the threat for very heavy wet snow for southwestern Alberta, especially the southern Rockies and foothills, and southwestern Saskatchewan (Cypress Hills area) Wednesday night through Thursday night," says Dr. Doug Gillham, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
While these are relatively sparsely populated areas, there is a significant risk for tree damage with some rather impressive snow totals, Gillham adds, and a very dense, heavy wet snow for the higher terrain.
Social media erupted in the Edmonton area on Tuesday, with wintry scenes painting a much more Christmasy picture.
This is spring in Alberta, afterall!
