Rain, few flurries expected by Environment Canada for southern Saskatchewan

Rain and flurries are expected in southern Saskatchewan over the next few days, but a meteorologist from Environment Canada says there shouldn’t be much accumulation.

While temperatures will be below seasonal, Natalie Hasell, a warning preparedness meteorologist, forecasts daytime highs will still be above zero.

“Anything that does fall as snow should be easily melted by the time the day has really started,” Hasell said.

In areas west of Regina, especially near the Alberta border, Hasell said flurries could arrive on Saturday.

“Road conditions could very much be affected. Early morning periods are probably going to be the worst and evenings would be difficult as well …,” she said. “Driving conditions could easily be impacted over the next several days.”

She said now is a good time for people to prepare for winter before it arrives for real. There’s still time before winter tires become necessary, but she recommends people should inspect their homes.

“If you haven’t done so already, check the shingles on your roof. Check that your foundation is in good stead,” Hasell said.

“Check the trees on your property (and) make sure none of them are damaged or diseased. If they are, they’re weaker and won’t behave well when the time comes.”

Hasell said many of the trees in the province that still have foliage could capture the snow as it falls in the coming days, which could result in branches breaking off or even trees toppling over due to the weight.

“It could be an interesting confluence of factors here,” she said. “I’m not saying it will happen, but we have seen this type of thing in the past. Hopefully we will dodge that one if all goes well.”