90 km/h winds expected for Saskatoon, Regina

Get ready for some whipping winds from the west.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Monday for extreme wind in Saskatoon, Regina and most of the southern half of the province.

According to the weather agency, an Alberta Clipper will blast through those regions starting Monday evening, with winds expected to exceed 90 km/h on Tuesday.

Terri Lang with Environment Canada told Saskatchewan Afternoon people can expect to see “a lot of weather” in a very short period of time.

Notably, Saskatoon is forecasted to have a high of -6 C Tuesday, with Regina expected to enjoy a high 1 C.

“Often what we see is these really dramatic warm ups ahead of the system. It’s in behind that we really have the worry with it,” Lang said. “We might see some freezing precipitation and then we will see that wind blast in.”

Lang said the extreme winds will enter through Lloydminster before reaching Saskatoon between mid-morning and noon Tuesday.

For the more eastern portions, including Regina, the wind will likely be at its worst in the early evening.

Environment Canada is also warning drivers that since regions along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) received snow recently, visibility could be impacted.

“There’s a lot of light, fluffy snow — a good 10 to 20 centimetres worth — that’s really going to blow around,” Lang said.

Freezing rain and ice pellets are also forecasted along the Yellowhead corridor.

Lang noted after the Alberta Clipper moves through, temperatures are expected to dip below seasonal.

Environment is forecasting frosty highs around -20 C for Saskatoon and Regina from Wednesday to Friday.