First snowfall coming to much of Sask. on Monday: Environment Canada

Saskatchewan is bracing for its first taste of winter.

Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings for much of western and west-central Saskatchewan, saying 10 to 15 centimetres of snow could fall beginning Monday night and ending on Tuesday.

The warnings cover the Alberta border from Wilkie in the north to almost as far south as Maple Creek.

The areas covered by the snowfall warning and special weather statement as of 8:45 a.m. Monday. (Environment Canada)

“Heavy snow will develop over the southwestern corner of the province later today and spread east-northeast through the night,” the weather service warned.

“The heaviest snow will track between Regina and Saskatoon early Tuesday morning.”

While the storm will bring cooler temperatures, Environment Canada said some of the snow will melt as soon as it lands.

“While some snow will likely melt on contact with the relatively warm ground, the high intensity will still likely allow 10 to 15 cm of snow to pile up along the swath of heaviest accumulations,” Environment Canada said.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.”

Meanwhile, a special weather statement blanketed the entire southern part of the province, stretching up to Nipawin and Meadow Lake.

The special statement warned that snow already falling in Alberta will make its way into the province Monday, with expected snowfalls adding up to between two and five centimetres.

“Snowfall amounts will vary as some of the snow will melt on contact with the warm ground,” the weather service said. “Snow will end tonight.”

The latest information on the weather warnings can be found on Environment Canada’s website.