Snow odds ramp up on the Prairies as chilly pattern arrives

A blast of Arctic air is expected to bring snow to the Prairies this week, with some areas seeing as much as 10 centimetres.

The cold front is expected to move into the region on Monday, bringing with it gusty winds and plunging temperatures.

Snow is expected to begin falling on Monday afternoon and continue into Tuesday. The heaviest snow is expected to fall in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, where as much as 10 centimetres could accumulate.

The snow is expected to taper off on Tuesday night, but the cold weather is expected to stick around for the rest of the week. Temperatures are expected to remain below seasonal normals, with highs in the single digits and lows dipping below freezing.

The cold weather is expected to bring with it a number of hazards, including slippery roads and sidewalks. Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving, and pedestrians are advised to wear proper footwear.

The cold weather is also expected to put a strain on the province's homeless population. Shelters are expected to be at capacity, and outreach workers are urging the public to donate warm clothing and blankets.

The cold weather is expected to last for the rest of the week, but there is some hope for warmer weather on the horizon. A warming trend is expected to begin on Saturday, with temperatures rising above freezing by Sunday.