The first snow has dusted Yellowknife and heavy snowfall is forecast at the NWT’s northern and southern extremes as cooler weather sets in.
Mid-October is a fairly standard time of year for Yellowknife to get its first light snow. The city, which has had a warm September and early October, will see temperatures drop to an overnight low of around -15C early on Monday according to the latest forecasts.
Far heavier snowfall is forecast in other parts of the NWT on Friday.
In the Arctic coastal community of Tuktoyaktuk, residents are told to expect “heavy bands of snow” throughout the day. Around 10 to 15 cm is expected, though a “small chance” exists of 25 cm falling, Environment Canada said in an advisory.
“Strong northwest winds combined with open water over the Arctic Ocean will generate localized bands of heavy snow near Tuktoyaktuk and the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Snowfall amounts will vary considerably,” the advisory stated.
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“Snow will gradually taper off Saturday night and conditions will improve.”
A separate advisory is in place for the Dehcho communities of Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte and Sambaa K’e.
Around 10 cm of snow is expected to fall on Friday night and throughout Saturday, Environment Canada said.
“Total amounts may reach as high as 20 cm in a few locations,” that advisory read. “Conditions are expected to improve by Saturday evening as the snow tapers off.”
