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Christmas weather outlook is fair for the travelling season

Dec 19, 2018 | 1:00 PM

With the holiday season now upon us, many people will be hitting the road to visit family and friends throughout the next couple weeks.

Our temperatures over the past few weeks have been quite mild, but Environment Canada is calling for a bit of a cool down coming into Christmas Eve and the following week looking into the New Year. The seasonal temperatures at this point have been a bit colder than usual, but that trend is poised to get back on track by the beginning of next week.

The roller coaster of temperatures heading into the Christmas season looks initially looks like it will be in travellers favour for the holiday season. Terri Lang from Environment Canada said although the extended forecast may not be the most accurate, its a good sign for people hitting the roads.

“We’re getting into a colder pattern towards Christmas Day,” she said. “Still doesn’t look like any weather makers bringing in any snow into the extended forecast, but we all know that can change.”

Winds are expected in the South, with snow to the North in the next little bit, according to Environment Canada, which could hurt some motorists that are in for a haul around this time of year.

Being prepared for any type of weather is crucial when hitting the roads in Saskatchewan, especially with the quickly changing forecasts. Lang said following Christmas there will be a cold pattern — specifically an arctic high which will produce colder weather but clearer skies. These don’t necessarily bring in much for weather systems that could dump snow or rain, but this year the weather patterns have been quite active, she said.

 “People should always be paying attention,” she said. “It is winter driving conditions, so people should be checking the Highway Hotline before heading out. Always check the conditions at the other end of their journey.”

So far this winter, mild spells have brought warm temperatures to much of the prairies. The North experienced a lot of snow hitting the ground for much of the season, but that doesn’t exactly set the tone for the province as a whole.

Lang said much of the southern part of the province is experiencing very low levels of snow and isn’t expected to change anytime soon.

However, Lang said to expect the unexpected in the prairies.

 “Because of the mild weather, some complacency may have set in (for people),” she said. “Make sure you’re prepared when you go out and make sure your emergency kit is in the car, it is getting colder.”

 

brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangCJNB