A significant weather disturbance, resulting in an area of low pressure, has traversed the US-Canada border, unleashing heavy snowfall across several regions of western Canada over the weekend. Consequently, a weather warning has been issued for the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, predicting an impressive accumulation of snow between 150-250mm (approximately 6-10 inches).
As this weather system progresses eastward, it is anticipated to bring additional snowfall to the eastern sectors of the country early this week. This buildup of pressure post-snowfall is likely to ensnare cold air migrating from the north, potentially leading to severe frost conditions.
Temperatures in Saskatoon are expected to plummet drastically, struggling to breach the -20C mark, representing a staggering dip of more than 15C (59F) below the seasonal average for this period. By the weekend and into the following week, this frigid air mass is forecasted to extend southward into the United States.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is preparing for heavy rainfall as a low-pressure area, which formed off the coast of the Philippines last week, continues its north-westward trajectory.
Although intensification into a tropical storm remains unlikely—since that designation requires sustained wind speeds of 39-73 mph (63-117 km/h)—the potential for widespread disruption looms, particularly due to predicted prolonged heavy rainfall.
A red weather warning has now been issued for thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall totals of 100-150mm within a 24-hour timeframe. Following the passage of this low-pressure system across Sri Lanka, it is projected to shift eastward toward the coast of India, where it may cause further disturbances.
At the weekend, swaths of north-western Europe experienced a sharp rise in temperatures as Storm Bert put an end to a period of wintry conditions. Paris, which saw several centimeters of snow the previous week, recorded minimum temperatures soaring to the mid-teens on Sunday, more representative of July’s averages than November’s.
In Santon Downham, a quaint village situated in eastern England, the maximum temperature soared from a chilly 2.7C on Thursday, marked by snowy conditions, to a remarkable 18.7C in the span of just three days. Some weather stations across north-western Europe have reported temperatures climbing from sub-zero to well above the seasonal norms in a mere 24-36 hour period.
Over the next few days, South Africa is also expected to experience a significant increase in temperatures. On Monday, the eastern portions of the country will experience a sweltering 5-10C above the seasonal average, with temperatures climbing as high as 36-39C in certain areas. However, a shift is expected midweek as heavy rain systems move into eastern regions, potentially bringing as much as 30mm, resulting in a subsequent temperature drop of 15-20C, which falls around 5-7C below the usual norms.
What impact has the heavy snowfall in western Canada had on travel and infrastructure in provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan?
**Interview on Recent Weather Developments Across North America and South Asia**
*Host:* Welcome to our special segment on weather patterns affecting regions across North America and South Asia. Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a meteorologist with over a decade of experience in weather forecasting. Welcome, Dr. Carter!
*Dr. Carter:* Thank you for having me!
*Host:* Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen a significant weather disturbance lately, notably heavy snowfall across western Canada. Can you tell us more about this system and its impact on areas like Alberta and Saskatchewan?
*Dr. Carter:* Certainly! Over the weekend, a strong low-pressure system moved south from Canada, bringing substantial snowfall to Alberta and Saskatchewan. Estimates suggest that regions could see between 150-250mm of snow, which translates to about 6-10 inches. This has prompted weather warnings in those provinces due to hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages.
*Host:* That sounds intense. As this weather system heads east, what additional effects can we expect?
*Dr. Carter:* As the system progresses, we anticipate it to bring additional snowfall to the eastern regions of Canada early this week. Moreover, the pressure build-up after the snowfall could trap cold air from the north, leading to severe frost conditions. Specifically, in Saskatoon, temperatures are expected to plunge below -20°C, which presents a stark drop of over 15°C compared to seasonal averages. This intense cold will likely extend southward into the United States by the weekend.
*Host:* So, it’s not just about the snow; there’s also the bitter cold to contend with. What precautions should residents take in light of these weather conditions?
*Dr. Carter:* Residents should prepare for challenging travel conditions and possible power outages. It’s advisable to have an emergency kit ready, stay informed through local weather updates, and avoid non-essential travel in hazardous areas. For those in colder regions, dressing in layers and ensuring your home is winter-ready is critical.
*Host:* Shifting gears a bit, we’re also hearing about significant rainfall expected in Sri Lanka due to a low-pressure system from the Philippines. What does that mean for Sri Lanka?
*Dr. Carter:* Yes, while this system is moving northwestward, Sri Lanka is bracing for heavy rainfall. Fortunately, it seems unlikely to develop into a tropical storm, which requires sustained winds. However, the heavy rainfall could still lead to localized flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas.
*Host:* What advice would you give to people in Sri Lanka as they prepare for this weather system?
*Dr. Carter:* It’s essential for residents to monitor local weather forecasts closely, prepare for heavy downpours, and ensure their homes are ready to manage any potential flooding. Authorities may also issue warnings, so staying connected with emergency services and following their guidance is crucial.
*Host:* Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Carter. We appreciate your time and expertise on these pressing weather issues.
*Dr. Carter:* Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss these important topics. Stay safe, everyone!
*Host:* That wraps up our segment on current weather patterns. Stay tuned for more updates and stay safe out there!
