• Several storm systems are setting up across the Prairies with potential for rain, freezing rain and snow
• Arctic air is expected to follow the lows with cool temperatures over the weekend
• Milder temperatures are expected to return early next week

Prairie forecast overview

I would love to say that spring weather is ready to settle in for good, but unfortunately that would not be accurate. The pattern of the four to six weeks looks set to continue — meaning more cold than warmth and several storm systems capable of bringing anything from rain to freezing rain to snow.

This forecast period starts with a fairly complex. An area of low pressure is pushing across central Alberta, bringing light snow to that region. This system will track into central Saskatchewan, producing a swath of snow from around Saskatoon northward. It will then weaken as it moves into northern Manitoba on Thursday just as a second area of low pressure develops over the northwestern U.S. and begins to push eastward.

• More weather coverage: Canadian drought conditions improve in March

This second low is expected to bring some accumulating snow to southern Alberta late Wednesday into Thursday as it organizes south of the border. Confidence in the exact track remains somewhat low, even at this short range, although recent model trends have shifted slightly southward.

This system will need to be watched closely, as it has the potential to bring a wintry mix of precipitation to southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, beginning Thursday in Saskatchewan and Friday in Manitoba.

Once this system exits to the east, cold Arctic air will remain in place over the weekend, keeping daytime highs well below seasonal averages. The models then suggest a return of milder air by Monday, with the warmest temperatures expected across the western Prairies.

Alberta

As mentioned, this is a complicated start to the forecast period, with two related systems affecting the province. A low pushing in from British Columbia will bring light snow and cooler temperatures to central and northern Alberta on Wednesday before moving into central Saskatchewan on Thursday.

At the same time, a second piece of energy is forecast to drop southward into Montana. This brings potential for accumulating snow to parts of southern Alberta late Wednesday as colder air feeds into the system.

Both systems should exit the region by Friday, allowing skies to clear as weak Arctic high pressure settles in. Expect daytime highs to remain in the low single digits on Friday and Saturday before milder air begins to return on Sunday.

Weak upper-level ridging is forecast to develop over British Columbia through the weekend and into early next week. This should support a gradual warm-up, with daytime highs reaching the mid-teens by Tuesday.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Central Saskatchewan will begin to feel the effects of the Alberta low on Thursday as it tracks eastward. Snow is expected to develop overnight Wednesday and continue through much of Thursday before the system weakens and moves into northern Manitoba. Current indications suggest snowfall totals of 10 to 15 cm along and just north of the system’s track.

Attention then shifts to a developing low over the northwestern U.S.

Models continue to struggle with both timing and track, which could significantly impact the forecast. The latest guidance suggests the low will dip south from Montana toward Colorado before lifting quickly northeast toward Lake Superior by late Friday or early Saturday. Snow is expected to develop over southern Saskatchewan on Thursday as warm air overruns cold Arctic air entrenched across the northern Prairies.

• More from Daniel Bezte: Alberta saw best and worst of winter this year

As the main low lifts northeast, a secondary area of precipitation is expected to develop over southeastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba. This will likely fall mainly as snow, although some freezing rain cannot be ruled out, particularly over southeastern Manitoba.

The system should move through relatively quickly, exiting by late Friday or early Saturday morning and leaving behind a return to cold Arctic air. Daytime highs on Friday and Saturday will struggle to reach the freezing mark.

Milder air is expected to push northward again by Sunday across Saskatchewan and by Monday across Manitoba, with daytime highs climbing back into the low teens, especially over Saskatchewan.

The post Prairie forecast: Storm systems bring wintery mix appeared first on Country Guide.

At the same time a year ago, an estimated 37 per cent of the country’s agricultural land was facing drought.

At the end of March, an estimated 39 per cent of the country was classified as abnormally dry, or in moderate to severe drought, which was down from 53 per cent the previous month, AAFC said in the April 13 report.

WHY IT MATTERS: The improving conditions bode well for Canadian farmers in the areas that received moisture as spring planting and seeding approaches.

Large portions of central British Columbia, northern Alberta, central Saskatchewan and parts of Ontario and western Quebec recorded more than twice the normal March precipitation. However, above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation in southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan continued to reduce soil moisture and increase the extent and severity of drought.

Drought conditions throughout much of Eastern Canada improved significantly with continued above normal precipitation and near normal temperatures. Some portions of central Ontario saw a two-class drought improvement in March.

Only 21 per cent of Prairie farmland in drought

Most of the Prairie region experienced near to above-normal March precipitation, with much of region receiving between 85 and 150 per cent of normal, with some localized areas exceeding 200 per cent of normal due to multiple winter storms. Southern Alberta remained dry with portions of the region receiving less than 60 per cent of normal precipitation and warmer than normal temperatures, resulting in continued expansion of drought.

Snowfall from repeated winter storms increased snowpack, particularly in Alberta, although periodic warming led to some snowmelt in southern areas. Overall, above-normal precipitation supported short-term moisture improvements in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, while precipitation deficits persisted in Manitoba, limiting recovery.

At the end of the month, 39 per cent of the Prairie was classified as abnormally dry, or in moderate to severe drought, which compares with 58 per cent the previous month. Only 21 per cent of the region’s agricultural landscape was abnormally dry or facing drought which compares with 47 per cent at the end of February and 32 per cent a year ago.

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The India Meteorological Department released its first forecast for the 2026 monsoon season on April 13, predicting rainfall will reach 92 per cent of the long-term average. That marked the lowest early forecast of the past three decades.

WHY IT MATTERS: Indian demand for Canadian pulses varies from year-to-year depending on their own production and trade policies.

The southwest monsoon typically runs from June through September as it advances northward and accounts for about 70 per cent of India’s seasonal rainfall. The India Meteorological Department defines normal rainfall as between ​96 and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 87 centimetres for the four-month season.

India’s rabi season crops, which include lentils and chickpeas, are typically seeded in November and December. They rely on the moisture reserves from the monsoon rains for germination and growth.

Indian forecasters predict El Niño conditions to develop during the hurricane season, which has led to below average monsoon rains and drought for the country in past El Nino years.

While below-normal seasonal rainfall is expected for most of the country, some localized areas may still see normal to above-normal precipitation, the India Meteorological Department said.

The department will release its next forecast at the end of May, with several factors that may alter the monsoon outlook. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are prevailing over the Indian Ocean, with positive conditions likely to develop towards the end of the monsoon season — which is favourable for rainfall.

Northern Hemisphere and Eurasian snow cover during January to March 2026 were slightly below normal, which was also said to be favourable for southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall 2026.

The post Pulse weekly: Indian forecasters predict below-normal monsoon appeared first on Country Guide.

“Artificial intelligence supports earlier detection of weather-related events, as well as enhance the reliability and accuracy of forecasts,” said Julie Dabrusin, minister of environment, climate change and nature, in a news release.

ECCC will create a new hybrid weather forecasting model, combining the predictive abilities of AI and traditional physics-based meteorology and the department’s knowledge of local factors for wind, temperature and precipitation.

• More weather coverage: El Niño risk building, U.S. forecaster says

The new forecasting model would enhance public safety, improve emergency readiness and give more Canadians time to act when severe weather is expected, the department said.

The hybrid model is also expected to improve the accuracy of short and long-term forecasts. It claims the six-day forecast would be as accurate as the traditional model’s current five-day forecast and would predict major weather systems from eight to 24 hours earlier.

ECCC said it has tested the hybrid model over the past year to compare its performance with the traditional models. They found that the hybrid model predicted extreme weather more effectively, while the traditional model was better at small-scale details.

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El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral conditions emerged last month. The U.S. Climate Prediction Center said on Thursday that El Niño has a 61 per cent chance of developing between May and June 2026 and is expected to persist through at least the end of 2026.

“El Niño is likely because of increasing subsurface temperature anomalies and recent westerly wind anomalies over the western Pacific Ocean,” the CPC added.

WHY IT MATTERS: On the Prairies, a strong El Niño typically translates into reduced impacts from Arctic air, meaning above-average temperatures — particularly in deep winter. El Niño winters often see increased cloud cover and more frequent light precipitation.

El Niño is a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

El Niño results in unusually warmer water temperatures, increasing the chance of floods and drought, which can impact crops. When ENSO is neutral, water temperatures stay around the average level, leading to more stable weather and potentially better crop yields.

Donald Keeney, agricultural meteorologist at Vaisala Weather, said a strong El Niño is possible, resulting in cooler and wetter conditions in the U.S. Midwest this summer, which would be favorable for corn and soybeans.

“It would also equate to wetter conditions in southern Brazil and Argentina, which would be favorable for corn and soybeans there next season,” Keeney said.

“Indonesia should be drier than usual as El Niño develops. Also, a cooling of water temperatures off western Indonesia, in the southeast tropical Indian Ocean, will contribute to drier conditions this spring and summer,” said Jason Nicholls, lead international forecaster at AccuWeather.

India is expected to receive below-normal monsoon rainfall in 2026, private weather forecaster Skymet said on Tuesday, citing El Niño-driven declines in precipitation in the latter half of the June–September rainy season.

Sucafina’s weather strategist Greg Oddo said that a potential impact from unfavorable weather to tropical crops such as coffee and cocoa is likely in first quarter of 2027.

— Reporting by Sarah Qureshi

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Highlights

• Another Alberta clipper could form over central Alberta mid next week and head east.
• Milder temperatures are expected to arrive in Saskatchewan and Manitoba late this week.

Overview

Spring is trying to arrive, but we just can’t seem to completely shake winter’s grip.

The unfortunate news is that this forecast period looks very similar to the last one. The main difference this week is the steadily strengthening sun and, as a result, gradually warming temperatures.

We begin this forecast period with a strong Alberta clipper storm system exiting southern Manitoba, as was forecasted in last weeks forecast! This is the same system that brought heavy snow to parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan on Tuesday, and to central and portions of southern Manitoba late Tuesday into Wednesday.

In its wake, a weak push of Arctic air will settle in for Thursday and Friday before warmer air begins advancing northward ahead of a large area of low pressure expected to develop over the northwestern United States.

• More weather coverage: El Niño could result in a warm winter

This low is forecast to track northeast toward Lake Superior over the weekend. As it does, it should pull a significant amount of warm air northward. Expect daytime highs across the southern Prairies to climb toward the 10°C mark, with some locations potentially reaching 15°C. Moisture will also be drawn northward, although at this point it appears that only scattered showers are likely over southern and central Alberta and Saskatchewan through the weekend. As the low passes south of Manitoba, slightly cooler air will begin to wrap into the system, which could allow showers to transition to snow, particularly over central Manitoba. As always, this system will need to be monitored closely.

Another shot of Arctic air is expected early next week as high pressure drops southward behind the departing low. This will bring temperatures back below average, with daytime highs only reaching the low single digits. Attention then turns to the potential for another Alberta clipper developing around the middle of next week, but as is often the case, that remains a long way off and subject to change.

Alberta

This forecast period begins with a lingering trough of low pressure over central and northern regions, associated with Tuesday’s Alberta clipper, gradually weakening and shifting eastward. This will allow for clearing skies and cooler temperatures, with daytime highs across the province generally in the 3 to 5°C range.

Temperatures will begin to moderate on Friday as warm air pushes northward ahead of a developing low over the northwestern United States. Daytime highs are expected to reach around 10°C on Friday and could climb to near 15°C on Saturday, particularly across southern regions.

As this U.S. low advances eastward over the weekend, expect increasing cloud cover and the chance of showers developing Saturday and continuing into Sunday.

Cooler air will begin to filter in behind the system as it drifts eastward. There is a possibility that precipitation could briefly change to snow late Sunday or overnight and into Monday before exiting the province.

Early next week will start on the cooler side as Arctic high pressure settles in. Expect daytime highs in the 1 to 4°C range, with overnight lows dropping to around -8°C. Milder air is expected to return to southern and central regions by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Weather models suggest another Alberta clipper may develop across central areas late Wednesday into Thursday. As usual, and especially this year, this system will require close monitoring.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Both regions continue to deal with the lingering effects of the Alberta clipper that moved through central Saskatchewan on Tuesday and Manitoba on Wednesday. Colder Arctic air will push in on Wednesday and Thursday as high pressure builds southward behind the system. Expect daytime highs ranging from -2 to 5°C and overnight lows near -8°C. There’s a possibility of of colder temperatures in areas that received significant snowfall, especially if skies clear out.

Temperatures will begin to rebound on Friday as milder air advances northward ahead of the developing low over the northwestern United States. This warming trend should bring daytime highs into the low teens across southern Saskatchewan by Saturday and into Manitoba by Sunday.

• More weather coverage: Canada’s shifting snowpack reveals water-loss location matters for agriculture

Over the weekend, expect increasing cloudiness along with the chance of showers by Sunday as the U.S. low tracks toward Lake Superior.

As cooler air is drawn into the system, precipitation may transition to light snow or flurries by Monday. There is some potential for more significant snowfall over central Manitoba on Monday, while southern regions may see mainly rain. This system will need to be watched closely.

Colder air will push back into the region behind this low on Tuesday and Wednesday with daytime highs only forecasted to be in the 2 to 5 C range. I hate to say it, but the weather models are showing another Alberta clipper developing on Wednesday, but that is a long way off and plenty can change between now and then.

The post Prairie forecast: Another Alberta clipper? appeared first on Country Guide.

Highlights

• Current indications are that a cooler-than-average weather pattern will persist for the next seven to 10 days.
• With no major systems expected to hit Alberta over the next week, much of the province will see relatively quiet weather. Sunny to partly cloudy skies are expected to dominate most days.
• From Wednesday through Friday, Manitoba and Saskatchewan can expect partly or mostly cloudy skies and the chance of occasional flurries.

Overview

The weather models had a fairly good handle on the overall pattern over the past week, but as is usual at this time of year, the finer details were a little off. What is perhaps more notable is how consistent the broader pattern has been, which has allowed models to perform reasonably well even further out. Over the past three to four weeks, there has been very little change in the large-scale setup, and that consistency looks to continue.

While temperatures will gradually trend upward as we move into spring, the overall cooler-than-average pattern remains firmly in place. Current indications suggest this will persist for at least the next 7 to 10 days.

• More weather coverage: Farmers’ Almanac rescued from closure

We begin this forecast period with high pressure firmly entrenched across the northern Prairies. Meanwhile, the main storm track is taking shape across the northern United States. This places much of the agricultural Prairies in a sort of in-between zone — caught between the dominant influence of northern high pressure and more active weather to the south.

The good news, depending on your perspective, is that most heavier precipitation events are expected to remain south of the border through this forecast period. The downside? Any significant early spring warmth will also stay to our south.

For areas still holding onto snowpack, this means the slow, gradual melt will continue rather than a rapid spring runoff.

Alberta

With no major systems expected to hit the province over the next week, much of Alberta will see relatively quiet weather. Sunny to partly cloudy skies are expected to dominate most days.

That said, the models are tracking an area of low pressure that’s pushing in from the Pacific and cutting through Montana on Thursday into Friday. This system will likely bring increased cloud cover along with scattered showers or flurries to southern Alberta late Thursday. Central and northern regions can expect partly cloudy skies with the occasional flurry.

Temperatures will remain on the cool side through this period, with daytime highs generally in the 0 to 3°C range and overnight lows dipping to around -6°C.

Conditions should improve heading into the weekend as the Montana low shifts eastward and weak upper-level ridging builds into the province. This should allow for more sunshine and warmth with daytime highs rising into the 7 to 11°C range across most regions.

Looking ahead to early next week, the models suggest an area of low pressure developing over northern Alberta. This could bring increased cloud cover and periods of snow to northern parts of the province.

Farther south, a southerly flow ahead of the system may allow milder air to push in, potentially lifting daytime highs into the mid-teens. As has been the case with this pattern, confidence in this portion of the forecast remains low and will need to be monitored.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

We begin the forecast period with a departing frontal system that brought anywhere from a light dusting of snow to upwards of 10 to 15 cm in some areas. In its wake, weak high pressure will attempt to build into the region, but conditions are expected to remain somewhat unsettled.

From Wednesday through Friday, expect partly to mostly cloudy skies and the chance of occasional flurries. Daytime highs will largely depend on cloud cover — generally hovering around the freezing mark under thicker clouds but climbing to around 5°C in sunnier areas.

Heading into the weekend, a more defined battle sets up between high pressure to the north and the active storm track to the south. This will result in a mix of sunny to partly cloudy conditions. Southern regions will likely see more cloud cover given their proximity to the storm track, while northern areas should benefit from increased sunshine.

• More weather coverage: Get farmers in on federal water security strategy planning, CFA says

Temperatures over the weekend are expected to reach around 5°C, which is near to slightly below seasonal averages for this time of year.

Early next week, attention turns to the potential development of a low pressure system over northern Alberta. If this system evolves as currently projected, it could draw milder air northward across the southern Prairies on Tuesday and Wednesday. This could push daytime highs closer to the 10°C mark.

Confidence remains low regarding the exact evolution of this system. Current model runs indicate the potential for another round of accumulating snowfall by midweek, likely in the Wednesday to Thursday timeframe, but details on track, intensity, and precipitation type remain uncertain.

The post Prairie forecast: Cooler than average temperatures expected to continue appeared first on Country Guide.

The Almanac, a two-century-old annual source of long-range weather forecasts for farmers in the U.S. and Canada, said in a statement dated Jan. 28 it has been acquired by Tim Konrad, a New York City-based online publisher who operates Unofficial Networks, a news and feature site for skiing and outdoor enthusiasts.

WHY IT MATTERS: Regardless of how their weather forecasts check out, the almanacs have been a source of entertainment for farmers in both the U.S. and Canada for generations.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed in announcements from the Almanac or Unofficial Networks, nor did the new owner say whether any of the Almanac’s Canada-facing print and online content will also continue. Email messages to the new publisher haven’t yet been returned.

“I saw the announcement that one of America’s most enduring publications was set to close, and it felt wrong to stand by while an irreplaceable piece of our national heritage disappeared,” Konrad said in the announcement.

Konrad, also a co-founder of maritime and shipping news site GCaptain.com, said the Almanac will for now remain “fully accessible online” and “plans are underway to revive and expand the cherished annual print edition in future volumes.”

First published by Jacob Mann of Morristown, N.J. in 1818, the Almanac was eventually taken up by the Geiger family, whose publishing firm had printed the book starting in 1933 and acquired full ownership of the almanac business in 1949.

Peter Geiger, the Almanac’s previous publisher, said he’s “confident (Konrad) will honour its heritage and carry it forward for generations to come.”

‘Secret weather formula’

The Almanac last November said its plans to close “reflect(ed) the growing financial challenges of producing and distributing … in today’s chaotic media environment.”

The print version of the Farmers’ Almanac is an annual journal featuring regional weather forecasts based on a “secret weather formula,” plus astronomy information, folklore and assorted advice for farmers and home gardeners.

It is not to be confused with the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a separate annual journal now operated by Yankee Publishing of New Hampshire. That book dates back to 1792, when it was launched by farmer Robert B. Thomas, making long-range forecasts based on what the publisher describes as “a complex series of natural cycles and observations.”

In the Manitoba Co-operator, weather expert Daniel Bezte’s column in recent years has included regular Prairie weather outlooks which tracked and compared the accuracy of the previous outlook against those of both almanacs and of established Canadian and U.S. weather forecasting models.

Bezte’s monthly outlooks and other weather columns can be found here.

The post Farmers’ Almanac rescued from closure; fate of Canadian content unknown appeared first on Country Guide.

Highlights:

• Arctic high pressure is expected to drop southward into the Prairies later this week and into the weekend, keeping temperatures below average.
• Central and northern Alberta can expect snow on Wednesday while the south sees a chance of flurries or scattered showers. Temperatures will fall below average.
• A low pressure system is expected to produce a swath of 5 to 10 cm of snow across the central Prairies on Wednesday.
• 
  

  Saskatchewan and Manitoba temperatures will trend below average toward the end of the week. Daytime highs are expected to reach around 5°C across extreme southern areas, while central regions will see highs closer to -5°C.

Overview

Despite the high level of uncertainty we typically see in spring, last week’s forecast played out surprisingly close to expectations. With a record breaking heat wave over much of the U.S., you might expect some of that warmth to push northward. However, a persistent ridge of Arctic high pressure over the northern Prairies has effectively kept that heat locked to our south.

We begin this forecast period with an area of low pressure tracking across the northern U.S. and an associated frontal boundary draped across the south-central Prairies. This is the same system that weather models indicated would impact the region in last week’s forecast.

More from Daniel Bezte: How the sun’s movement drives our weather

Behind it, Arctic high pressure is expected to drop southward into the Prairies later this week and into the weekend, keeping temperatures below average.

There are some indications of weak ridging building over the western Prairies late in the weekend, but model guidance has been inconsistent with this feature. At times models strengthen the ridge. At other times they keep it relatively weak. At this point, the consensus suggests the ridge will remain modest, allowing another area of low pressure to move through the region. This will bring an additional chance of snow, particularly across southern areas.

As is often the case this time of year, any passing low is likely to be followed by another push of Arctic high pressure. That means true spring warmth may still be a week or two away.

Alberta

This forecast period begins with an area of low pressure pushing eastward out of the Pacific. This system is expected to bring snow to much of central and northern Alberta on Wednesday, with general amounts in the 2 to 5 cm range. Across southern regions, expect partly to mostly cloudy skies with a chance of flurries or scattered rain showers.

Once this system moves through, weak Arctic high pressure will settle into the region, bringing a return to below average temperatures. Daytime highs across central and northern areas are expected to fall to around -8°C, while southern regions cool to near -2°C.

Temperatures should begin to rebound over the weekend, particularly across southern Alberta, as a weak upper ridge develops. Expect sunny to partly cloudy skies, with daytime highs climbing into the 8 to 10°C range in the south and 3°C to 5°C across central regions.

Looking ahead to March 30 and 31, weather models indicate the potential for an area of low pressure over Wyoming that would then track eastward. If this system materializes, it could draw moisture northward and result in widespread snowfall across much of central and southern Alberta. Snowfall amounts remain uncertain at this time, and as is typical at this range, the details could change significantly.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

This forecast period begins with a frontal wave tied to an area of low pressure tracking across the northern U.S. That’s the same system referenced in last week’s forecast. As expected, its exact track and strength have shifted somewhat.

This system is expected to produce a swath of 5 to 10 cm of snow across the central Prairies, with totals tapering off significantly both north and south of this band. The system should exit the eastern Prairies by Thursday, followed by the southward advance of Arctic high pressure. This will bring a return to sunny skies and relatively light winds on Friday and through the weekend.

With Arctic high pressure in place, temperatures will trend below average. Daytime highs are expected to reach around 5°C across extreme southern areas, while central regions will see highs closer to -5°C.

Early next week, weather models are suggesting a pattern similar to the previous week, with another area of low pressure potentially developing over Wyoming and tracking eastward across the northern United States. While confidence in the development of this system is relatively high, its exact track and intensity remains uncertain. As with last week’s system, it will need to be monitored closely, as it may evolve into a more significant spring storm.

The post Prairie forecast: Arctic air keeps spring warming at bay appeared first on Country Guide.

Highlights

• Several chances for rain and snow across central and northern Alberta
• Warm air has spread across Saskatchewan and will reach Manitoba on Wednesday before temperatures begin to cool on Sunday

Overview

While spring appears to be gaining a foothold across the western Prairies, it continues to struggle across the eastern regions. This forecast period looks milder than the last, but weather models are still not showing a clear or sustained shift toward a more spring-like pattern.

We begin this period with a shallow but broad upper ridge building across the southern Prairies while Arctic high pressure remains in place over northern Canada. Between these two features, several areas of low pressure are expected to move in from Pacific and track eastward across the central and northern Prairies.

More weather coverage: Taking a look at the spring forecast

Current model guidance suggests the upper ridge will begin to break down over the weekend, which will allow Arctic high pressure to push southward. This will shift the primary storm track from the central and northern Prairies into the central and southern regions by late weekend or early next week.

As a result, after a relatively warm start, cooler temperatures are expected to return. Along with this cooling trend comes an increased chance of precipitation which will likely fall mainly as snow.

There are also early indications of a potentially significant storm system affecting the southern and central Prairies around next Wednesday. However, as is often the case at this range, details remain uncertain.

Alberta

This forecast period begins with a surge of warm air supported by a building upper ridge and a strong westerly flow off the Pacific. Southern regions should see more sun than cloud from Wednesday through Friday, with daytime highs reaching the mid-teens.

Farther north, weak disturbances moving over the ridge will bring a mix of sun and cloud and the chance of a few showers. Temperatures in these areas should remain mild, with daytime highs around 10°C.

By the weekend, the upper ridge is expected to break down. This will allow cooler air to push southward while also shifting the storm track into the province.

An area of low pressure is forecast to develop over central Alberta on Saturday, bringing snow to those regions before tracking into southern areas late Saturday into early Sunday. It will bring the potential for accumulating snow. Daytime highs will drop significantly, settling near the freezing mark.

Cooler and more unsettled conditions are expected to continue through Sunday and Monday. Looking ahead to Tuesday, models indicate a stronger area of low pressure pushing inland from the Pacific. This system is expected to bring snow to central and northern regions on Wednesday.

Southern areas may see rain or a rain-snow mix transitioning to snow as colder air moves in behind the system. This is a system worth monitoring closely.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Milder air that has already spread across Saskatchewan will begin moving into Manitoba on Wednesday. Expect more clouds than sun from Wednesday through Friday as a couple of weak disturbances track eastward in the westerly flow aloft. A few scattered showers or flurries are possible with these systems.

Temperatures will be warmest across southern Saskatchewan were more sunshine is expected, with daytime highs in the 10 to 12°C range. Across Manitoba, conditions will be slightly cooler, with highs of 5 to 8°C in western regions and 3 to 5°C farther east.

As the upper ridge weakens and shifts southward on Saturday, an area of low pressure is expected to track across the southern Prairies, bringing a quick shot of accumulating snow with amounts generally expected to be only a couple of centimetres.

More weather coverage: What climate change data gets wrong about the Prairies

Temperatures will cool, with daytime highs falling into the 0 to 3°C range. Skies should begin to clear on Sunday as Arctic high pressure builds into the region. This will bring sunny conditions into Monday and Tuesday along with cooler-than-average temperatures.

Attention then turns to a potential storm system developing over central Alberta and moving eastward on Wednesday. Current indications suggest this system could bring snow and blowing snow to central regions, while southern areas may see rain or a mix transitioning to snow.

The system is expected to move east by late Thursday, followed by a return to colder conditions as Arctic high pressure builds in late in the week. As always with systems this far out, details may change, but it will be one to watch.

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