January could end with record warmth on the Prairies after chilly start
As we enter the final days of January, things are looking up for the Prairies. They will be considerably up on the thermometer, that is.
It will be a fitting conclusion to the first month of 2024 after such a bitterly cold start, thanks to the polar vortex.
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In fact, some areas on the Prairies could see temperature rises coming in at 18 degrees above seasonal, potentially record-tying or -setting for a few locales.
A ridge dominates the final days of January
The same pattern that’s bringing drenching rains to British Columbia will send an upper-level ridge soaring over the Prairies through the week.
Mild air flowing in from the Pacific, combined with sinking air beneath the ridge itself, will work together to send temperatures far above seasonal from Winnipeg to Edmonton and even deep into the territories up north.
Readings will come in as much as 18 degrees above seasonal for many spots, especially on the northern Prairies and into the territories.
Daytime temperatures on Monday will easily peak in the teens across the southern Prairies, with a predicted high of 7°C in Regina coming in ten degrees above seasonal.
The abnormal warmth will stretch deep into Alberta, with Fort McMurray’s forecast high of 6°C sitting a full dozen degrees higher than normal.
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Tuesday looks even warmer in Alberta thanks to downsloping winds racing off the Rockies. These winds will warm up and accelerate as they reach lower elevations, bringing the risk for gusts of nearly 100 km/h in the foothills, and widespread gusts around 50 km/h for most communities.
Warm winds will help Alberta’s temperatures climb a bit higher on Tuesday, with a comfortable 10°C in the forecast for Calgary and an impressive 9°C on the board for Edmonton.
Record-breaking temperatures are likely for some locations. Folks in Edmonton will want to watch the decimal point on Tuesday as it is expected to reach 11°C, which would easily be the warmest January day on record for Edmonton International Airport in Leduc (9.9°C, Jan. 25, 2006).
The warmest temperature for the city dates back to the 18th century, when the temperature climbed to 13.9°C on Jan. 27, 1889.
Farther south, temperatures in the 14- to 15-degree range are possible, including for Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat.
The warmest January temperature in provincial history will likely remain safe, however. That’s a 18.3°C reading set on Jan. 29, 1931 in Medicine Hat.
It’s not just an Alberta story. Temperatures on the eastern Prairies are also broiling, relative to normal, and the warmth also surges into the northern territories.
A more active pattern is likely to develop across the Prairies for the opening days of February.
Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on your forecast across the Prairies.
