Edmonton endures snow squall surprise, braces for extreme cold weekend

This week, Environment Canada is warning people snow squalls are on the way.

Some waking up to see the uncommon weather system known as a snow squall, which only happens once or twice a winter season.

The ones rolling through Edmonton this weekend will bring high-speed winds up to 90 km an hour, cold temperatures, and snow.

They’re smaller scale compared to typical snowfalls and pass rather quickly, bringing extreme cold air from the north.

Temperatures are expected to drop, with average daytime high over the weekend, sitting at a teeth chattering -20 degrees.

Monday conditions will start easing up.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says this adds another twist to what has been an up and down season for thermometers.

“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, is probably the best way to word it,” said Brian Proctor, meteorologist, Environment and Climate Change Canada.

“We saw cold air in November, a little bit warmer through much of December, we’ve been warm in the early part of the month, now we’re seeing a significant downturn over the next few days.”