Calgary weather: Flash freeze warning issued
Environment Canada has issued a flash freeze warning for Calgary.
CBC Calgary weather specialist Craig Larkins says a "flash freeze" is a rain event that occurs with temperatures above freezing followed by a cold front that brings a sudden drop in temperature.
"Possible rainfall along with a blast of cold air means there will be a quick freeze producing icy roads and highways," said Larkins.
He said recent warm temperatures have also caused a lot of melting that will freeze when temperatures drop.
The rapidly moving cold front could bring winds from 50 to 70 kilometres per hour and frigidly cold temperatures by late Friday evening.
Larkins said temperatures will go from above freezing to a high of -9 C for Saturday, but it could feel more like -28 C with the wind chill.
Along with the blast of cold Arctic air, Calgary is expected to get five centimetres of snow or rain.
“Fresh snowfall combined with strong winds will cause reduced visibility, particularly on the Trans-Canada Highway east of the city," said Craig Larkins.
He said there are also blowing snow warning in place for many parts of southeastern Alberta, including Brooks and Medicine Hat.
The winds are expected to diminish in Calgary overnight as the front tracks southeast, but the cold temperatures will last through the weekend.
Road crews are getting Priority 1 routes, hills and bridge decks ready for the change in weather by applying an anti-icing agent throughout the day, the city said in a release.
