Just as Calgarians emerged from their wintry cocoons into the sunlight with fewer layers, ready to welcome spring, the city's winds lashed at them with flurries on Friday, forcing everyone indoors. The storms arrived only three days after the city recorded temperatures as high as 23C, a stark reminder of Calgary's love-hate relationship with its weather.
Impact of the Storm
The popular Parade of Wonders was canceled on Friday. Properties were damaged, power lines were downed by trees, and what felt like -3C was actually -13C with wind chill. By Saturday, temperatures dipped to -7C with a 60 percent chance of flurries. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a yellow warning, forecasting gusts strong enough to push high-sided vehicles like semi-trailers.
Is This Normal?
Heather Rombough, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, says such wild swings are typical for Alberta. She points to the jet stream, a rapid band of air current that separates warmer and colder air masses. An upper ridge stuck in the Pacific region prevents warmer air from reaching Calgary, leading to a low-pressure system that brings precipitation.
"It's hard to explain exactly why, because it's Mother Nature and the atmosphere kind of does whatever it does," Rombough said.
Could Have Been Worse
The forecast originally called for heavy snow over three days but was downgraded to light flurries, with no more than four centimeters expected. Several golf courses that had recently opened were closed again, despite the city's pledge to open Maple Ridge, McCall Lake, and Shaganappi courses weather permitting.
Travel Advisories
On Friday, RCMP advised against travel on many highways east of Calgary due to high winds, blowing snow, ice, and poor visibility. Highways 897, 41, 45, and 16 were impacted by extremely poor driving conditions, and officers responded to multiple collisions.
