After a week of warm weather, the temperature is going to drop drastically and quickly.

Natalie Hasell, Meteorologist with Environment Canada, explained a low pressure system is currently developing in Central Alberta, giving Airdrie and the rest of Southern Alberta winds from the west. Those winds blow down the slopes of the foothills, warming things up.

As that low pressure system moves east, the winds will shift and start blowing out of the north.

"Unfortunately there's not a whole lot that stops air from the north so that cold arctic air will make its way into southern Alberta yet again and we'll see temperatures fall to minus sixteen in the afternoon tomorrow [January 9]."

It will just get colder from there, with lows tomorrow of minus 21. With the cold will come snow, but Airdrie won't see as much as other parts of the province.

"We're not expecting warning criteria. We do currently have warnings in Central and parts of Northern Alberta. Areas in the south are really not expecting to see significant accumulations."

Even so, the quick drop in temperature combined with snow could mean bad news for drivers.

"Considering that you're looking at a thaw-freeze, as temperatures are above zero than falling to below zero, when snow falls on ice, road conditions can be just as difficult whether you have a lot of snow or a little bit of snow, so I would still be very careful in these conditions."

 

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