Update: The special weather statement and the frost advisory for Saskatchewan have been lifted.
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SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN — A special weather statement has been issued for southern Saskatchewan due to widespread rain, and perhaps some snow, that are in the forecast.
Environment Canada issued the alert early May 16. It states a low-pressure system will cause an area of rain to move into Saskatchewan late in the day. The rain will become heavy at times throughout the day May 17. The advisory notes total amounts of rain by the morning of May 18 will range from 25 to possibly 50 millimetres, but the exact location of the heaviest rain is still uncertain.
At the same time, Environment Canada said rain might change over to snow in some areas in the afternoon of May 17.
"The current forecast is for any snowfall to melt on contact, but should temperatures fall a little more than currently expected, snow may accumulate. In fact, some model solutions indicate pockets of significant snow are possible," Environment Canada said.
At this time, Environment Canada says certainty is very low in how much rain falls, if there will be a transition to snow and whether any snow that falls will accumulate. Once the exact scenario expected becomes more clear, warnings may be issued.
It's the second time this week that a special weather statement has been issued for southern Saskatchewan. The previous one was for a powerful wind storm that caused widespread power outages, considerable property damage and resulted in a dust storm warning.
Meanwhile, a frost advisory was issued in the afternoon of May 16 for the city of Prince Albert, the Battlefords, the District of Lakeland and communities in dozens of RMs. It states patchy frost is expected to form across portions of Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba.
Environment Canada says frost advisories begin during the Victoria Day long weekend in the southern prairies and are issued when overnight lows are expected to drop below 0 C.
Take preventative measures to protect cold-sensitive plants, trees and crops. Cover up plants, especially those in frost-prone areas.
SaskToday will have updates as they become available.
