Snowfall in Northwest Saskatchewan should make for some slick road conditions, as temperatures drop in the next 48 hours. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW and meadowlakeNOW Staff

Light precipitation

Snowfall hitting the Battlefords, Meadow Lake

Dec 2, 2021 | 2:08 PM

Snowfall is coming down in northwest Saskatchewan, right before the province will see a drop in temperature.

The Battlefords have been experiencing light snow throughout the afternoon, with the temperature holding just below freezing, though the snowflakes are uniquely large. At least two centimetres is expected to fall for most the region, while Meadow Lake and other communities may experience slightly less with their flurries.

Environment Canada’s Terri Lang said the system came quickly and could bring blowing and drifting snow. With temperatures hovering around freezing, that doesn’t bode well for road conditions if snowfall builds up on roads and sidewalks.

“This will be a bit of a change from the quiet weather we’ve had the last couple weeks,” she said. “The first day or two associated with the snow will be kind of messy, with the roads icy and snowy.”

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In the coming days, the weather should feel more winter like, without a lot of precipitation. The daily highs and lows will shift into double digit minus temperatures. North Battleford is forecast to get to -10 C and have some flurries on Saturday, peaking at -18 C on Monday, while Meadow Lake sees -18 C and a strong chance of flurries Sunday and a high of -20 C the following afternoon. The region will see temperatures taper off on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lang said temperatures in Meadow Lake are falling quickly, but added the city shouldn’t expect the same as communities further south.

‘I don’t think they’ll get as much snow, but they do have to watch out for potential freezing rain,” she said.

In regards to further patterns, Lang said there’s a lot of variability for December. Currently, meteorologists are predicting above average temperatures for the Christmas season.

“It’s been on the milder side as we’ve gone through [winter], but for the next 10 days, it should be on the cooler side,” Lang said.

Low’s will reach the -20 C range through the weekend as well, before warming slightly on Tuesday.

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

While there are no special warnings coming from Environment Canada, Lang said she expects an adjustment from motorists. Earlier on, she said some people will sometimes accelerate too quickly once road conditions clear or fail to dress appropriately warm.

“It’s a little bit like relearning to drive in winter conditions again every time the snow hits,” Lang said.

“We will see some pretty cold temperatures, so I think people will quickly adjust.”

Fire Chief Neil Marsh in Meadow Lake said so far there’s nothing out of the ordinary for residents, as long as they take the usual winter precautions.

“We’re used to that in this part of the country and people usually roll with that when it comes,” he said. “Be aware of driving conditions, get your tires and brakes in excellent condition and be safe.”

Motorists can check road conditions by going to Highway Hotline.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW