Residents in Banff, Alberta, are seeing a sharp return to winter conditions this week as a sudden cold snap drops temperatures well below the typical seasonal average. After a stretch of milder weather, temperatures plummeted 15 degrees over the last 24 hours, falling from 10°C on Wednesday to -5°C by Thursday morning.
According to Environment Canada, the forecast for Thursday, April 23, 2026, includes flurries, a risk of thunderstorms, and local snow accumulation of up to 2 centimetres. Residents should also expect northwest winds gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour, which drove wind chill values down to -5 earlier in the day.
Parks Canada reminds visitors and locals that mountain weather is highly variable and that snow remains a reliable feature of the spring season in the region. Because weather conditions can shift rapidly, motorists are advised to stay alert on the roads. Drivers are reminded that snow tires or chains are required by law on the Banff-Windermere Highway (Highway 93S) and portions of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) in Yoho National Park through April 30.
While current temperatures are significantly colder than the typical April highs of 11°C, relief is on the way. Environment Canada expects a warming trend to begin early next week, with temperatures climbing to 8°C by Monday, April 27, and reaching 12°C by Tuesday, April 28.
