It’s shaping up to be a nasty weather day in Edmonton, with a blast of old man winter set to sweep into the city.

A snow squall watch has been issued for the City of Edmonton by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), along with numerous communities surrounding the city.

The ECCC alert stated that brief but intense bands of snow are expected today, thanks to snow squall bands that developed over northern Alberta this morning and are tracking to the east or southeast.

These squalls will reduce visibility to near zero at times in snow and blowing snow as winds gust up to 80 km/h, or possibly even more, before conditions improve by this evening.

“Travel may be hazardous. Visibility may be suddenly reduced to near zero at times. Prepare for the possibility of quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions,” the watch added.

Snow squall watches are issued when localized, intense snowfall causing rapid accumulation and/or reduced visibility is possible.

Snowfall warnings are also blanketing portions of the province west of Edmonton, as heavy snowfall with total amounts of 15 to 30 cm is expected tonight and Friday. Snowfall will begin over west central Alberta this evening.

The ECCC warning added that snowfall will intensify early Friday morning and continue through the day, before ending near midnight on Friday.

“Travel will likely be challenging. Visibility will likely be reduced at times. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Allow extra time for travel. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow,” the warning added.

Looking at the seven-day forecast for Edmonton, temperatures are set to take a steep dive into the overnight hours, going from a high of 5°C today to -13°C tonight.

Rain showers are anticipated to begin this afternoon, then change to flurries at times heavy later this afternoon.

Friday is looking downright chilly, with a high of -13°C and an overnight low of -17°C. On the bright side, a light can be seen at the end of the tunnel, with daytime highs above zero to kick off next week.

Environment and Climate Change Canada

According to ECCC, the average high for Edmonton around this time of year is -1°C, while the average low is -11°C.

You can check all current ECCC weather watches and warnings online.