Blowing snow advisories were issued for Alberta’s major cities on Boxing Day, with several areas in the province also under different winter weather advisories or warnings. Environment Canada mentioned on its website that Calgary and the Edmonton area are under blowing snow advisories due to poor visibility caused by a mix of wind and precipitation. The weather agency warned of hazardous travel conditions with near-zero visibility, but conditions are expected to improve by Saturday afternoon. Additionally, strong winds and dropping temperatures will lead to wind chill values near -35 for most of the day.
Drivers were advised to avoid unnecessary travel in blowing snow advisory areas until road conditions get better. Other municipalities in Alberta were also placed under blowing snow advisories. Snowfall warnings and cold weather warnings were issued for certain parts of the province, with some areas bracing for potential blizzard-like conditions on Saturday.
In Edmonton, the extreme weather protocols have been in place since December 19 due to cold temperatures. The City of Edmonton announced that the extreme weather response will end on Sunday afternoon as temperatures are forecasted to rise next week. Environment Canada predicts temperatures as low as -26°C on Saturday in Edmonton, with wind chill making it feel like -37°C at times. However, Monday’s high is expected to reach 2°C in the capital city.
The city’s extreme weather protocols aim to ensure the safety of homeless individuals and other vulnerable residents during severe cold spells. City facilities and libraries are made more accessible for those seeking refuge from the cold, and shuttle services to emergency shelters have extended hours to assist people in need.