Expected wind gusts of up to 110 km/h Thursday have prompted Environment Canada to issue a yellow-level wind warning for Lethbridge and surrounding areas.
The warning, issued at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, applies to the City of Lethbridge, the County of Lethbridge near Coalhurst, Nobleford, Barons, Picture Butte, Turin and Coaldale, and the M.D. of Taber near Taber and Barnwell.
Environment Canada said west winds will strengthen early Thursday morning, peak during the morning and afternoon and diminish by early Friday morning. The agency said driving conditions are expected to be difficult and damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible.
Meteorologist Brian Proctor said the strongest winds will be closer to the Rockies, but much of southern Alberta will see gusts exceeding 100 km/h through late overnight hours and into Thursday night.
He said a low-pressure system moving down the east side of the Rockies is driving the system and will usher in colder air by Friday.
“We see a distinct cool down Thursday,” Proctor said. “By the time we see the overnight lows on Thursday into Friday morning, temperatures are going to fall to, well, minus 6 degrees.”
Daytime highs Thursday are expected to reach 9 C or 10 C before temperatures drop. Friday’s high is forecast at –1 C, with an overnight low near –14 C into Saturday morning.
Snow is expected later Friday into Saturday morning, with about five centimetres possible.
Proctor said blowing snow may reduce visibility.
“A sharp downturn in temperatures really beginning Thursday evening and probably persisting through till Sunday morning,” he said.
However, the cooldown will be brief. Proctor said temperatures are expected to rebound Sunday through Tuesday to above seasonal values.
Environment Canada advises residents to secure loose objects and be prepared to adjust driving for changing conditions.
