Spring is so back!
After a bumpy week filled with snow, cool temperatures and slippery roads, the sunshine is back in full force this weekend and it will really warm up our temperatures!
In the upper atmosphere, a ridge of high pressure is moving in over Alberta, pushing the jet stream up into Northern Canada, which will allow warm southern air to envelop all of the province.
For the Greek history experts reading this, you’ll notice that this upper air setup looks very similar to the Greek letter ‘omega’. This ridge is in fact called an ‘Omega Block’ because of its structure.
When we get blocking patterns like this one with a ridge of high pressure locked into place by strong low pressure systems on each side of it, it’s an indicator that conditions are going to remain static for a good stretch of time.
Often it’s for several days, but they can hold in place for weeks.
Omega blocks can be hazardous in the hotter months but this current one looks like it will break down after the weekend, which means it’s just going to allow for warm double-digit highs for four to six days.
Even as the jet stream repositions itself more south early next week, the 10-day forecast is still showing temperatures on the warmer side of the seasonal range.
For the backcountry enthusiasts who want to be outside this weekend, a reminder that the rapidly changing weather associated with spring can result in hazardous avalanche conditions, with the Kananaskis Country area under an avalanche risk.
So enjoy the sun, but make sure to be safe out there this weekend!
