UPDATE - Monday, January 17, 2022, 9:30 am:

Soak in that warm weather today Strathmore because we are going to see a drastic change in the weather tonight.  On Sunday Environment Canada had issued a special weather statement for the area and has included a wind warning this morning (Monday, Jan. 17)!  

Meteorologist with Environment Canada, Kyle Fougere, explained what is brewing in the air above.  

“We're going to see a really big change in the weather tonight as a cold front is expected to sweep down through the province, and it's going to bring extremely strong winds from the north.” 

Fougere said that the winds from the west could be as strong as 90 kilometres an hour which will definitely be felt when driving. 

“Travel conditions are going to be really poor this evening, so if anyone is travelling today to really make sure to pay attention to the roads as visibility will be poor.” 

There is a wind warning in effect for the Strathmore area currently. 

“We're going to see snow and blowing snow with those strong winds and as well a really strong change in the temperature as those northerly winds behind the cold front are going to drag some really cold air down across the province.” 

The temperature is supposed to dip down to minus 14 this evening with the windchill factor it may feel closer to minus 24 which is going to feel very chilly in comparison to the high of plus 7 today.  

“There will be some snowfall coming in behind this cold front,” Fougere continued. “We're not expecting any real significant accumulations, it's looking like around 2 centimetres, maybe as high as 4 centimetres, but it's going to be blowing and falling sideways.” 

He forecasted the worst of the system to hit the Strathmore area around 10 pm tonight.  

“We always try to tell people to have an emergency kit in their vehicle with warm clothes, blankets, candles, and matches in case anything does happen when travelling. It is also a great idea to check 511 before you head out.”  

You can always head to StrathmoreNow.com for up-to-date weather forecasts daily!  

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Original Story

We had a brief break from the cold from mother nature but it is expected to make a comeback for a couple of days at least this week.

A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada for much of southern Alberta for Monday night (January 17).  Among the areas to be hit by the wintry blast are:

  • Co. of Newell near Bassano
  • Co. of Newell near Brooks Rosemary and Duchess
  • Rocky View Co. near Chestermere Dalroy and Dalemead
  • Siksika Res. 146
  • Wheatland Co. near Hussar
  • Wheatland Co. near Standard and Gleichen
  • Wheatland Co. near Strathmore Lyalta and Carseland

The special weather statement calls for strong winds, snow, blowing snow and a rapid drop in temperature for southern Alberta Monday night. 

Environment Canada is predicting the downward spiral of the weather will start Monday evening when strong northwest winds gusting up to 70 km/h will begin along the central Foothills.  These winds will move to the southeast and strengthen through the night with gusts of up to 90 km/h likely over southeastern Alberta by midnight.

The wind will taper off by Tuesday morning.  Near the onset of these winds, a brief period of rain or intense snow is expected and visibility may be suddenly reduced to zero in snow and blowing snow.  Behind the band of rain and snow, poor visibility is possible in drifting or blowing snow until the winds begin to ease. Along with the northwest wind, a rapid drop in temperature will occur and wet surfaces may freeze causing icy conditions which could very well bring poor travel conditions as well.

Fortunately, these cooler conditions will not stick around for long.   The Strathmore forecast calls for a low of minus 15 Monday night, falling to minus 21 for Tuesday night, then back to minus 17 Wednesday night.  However, by Thursday we return to our days of warmth when the high is expected to reach plus 3 degrees.