Banff, Alberta is in for a mix of sunshine and rain this week before skies clear and temperatures climb heading into the weekend. According to The Weather Network, Monday brought a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 16°C, with the temperature sitting at 12°C and feeling like 10°C. No weather alerts are in effect for the townsite, but Environment Canada shows a change starting Tuesday.
Clouds will move in Tuesday morning, bringing a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and a high of 13°C. Wednesday looks to be the wettest day of the week, with rain expected and the temperature dipping to 11°C. The snow level is forecast to stay around 1,900 metres, meaning any precipitation falling at that elevation or higher will be snow. In the valley, it will be rain.
The unsettled pattern is typical for early June in Banff, which is historically the wettest month of the year. Higher-elevation trails are still covered in snow, and Parks Canada warns that mountain passes may not be fully clear until the end of June. An unusually deep snowpack this year prompted a hiking hazard warning in early May after several rescues. Freeze-thaw cycles create changing conditions through the day, raising the risk of avalanches above the treeline.
Conditions improve Thursday, with sunny skies and a high of 18°C. Friday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of showers and a high of 16°C. The weekend shapes up to be even better. Saturday is expected to bring a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 20°C, while Sunday could reach 21°C. That would offer solid weather for anyone hoping to enjoy the park, though backcountry users should still check Parks Canada for trail conditions before heading out.
