Lethbridge residents should make the most of sunny and warm conditions this week before a sharp turn in the weather brings rain and snow to the region. According to Environment Canada and The Weather Network, temperatures are expected to climb to between 24°C and 25°C through Tuesday, April 21, well above the typical late April high of 14°C.
The mild weather will be short-lived, however, as a new weather system is expected to arrive Wednesday evening. This system will bring rain that is forecast to transition into wet snow overnight. The cold pattern is expected to continue through Thursday and Friday, with temperatures dropping to an overnight low of -5°C on Thursday and -8°C on Friday.
Gardeners and residents planning outdoor projects may want to complete their work early in the week while conditions remain favourable. Those commuting from Wednesday night through Thursday morning should remain alert for potential icy patches as temperatures shift.
This volatility is common for the season, as April is frequently the snowiest month of the year in Lethbridge. Data from the Weather Atlas indicates that the city receives an average of 91mm of snow during April, which is more than what is typically recorded in January, February, or March. The current forecast aligns with long-range predictions for Alberta, which anticipated a spring season featuring changeable temperatures and higher-than-average precipitation.