
Calgary Weather 7 Day – Snow Warning and Full Forecast
Calgary residents are experiencing a sharp transition as a spring storm system brings significant snowfall to the region. Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning for heavy snow affecting central and southern Alberta through Thursday, with total accumulations expected to reach 10 to 25 centimetres.
The current temperature sits at 1°C under light drizzle conditions, with northeast winds blowing at 27 km/h and gusting to 37 km/h. Visibility has dropped to 4 kilometres, and humidity levels are at 90%, creating a damp, cold atmosphere across the city.
Meteorologists indicate a dramatic temperature swing is imminent, with tonight’s low expected to plunge to -9°C and wind chill values reaching -15°C overnight. This follows a pattern typical of spring weather systems in southern Alberta, where rapid changes are common.
What Is the 7-Day Weather Forecast for Calgary?
Key Insights
- Snow accumulation of 10 to 25 centimetres expected across central and southern Alberta through Thursday
- A yellow snowfall warning is currently active with moderate impact level for the Calgary region
- Wind chill values will drop to -15°C overnight tonight, creating hazardous conditions
- Temperatures will climb steadily from Friday through Tuesday, reaching 19°C
- Conditions should clear significantly by the weekend, with sunny weather Saturday and Sunday
- UV index remains low at 2, reducing sun exposure concerns during clearer periods
7-Day Forecast Snapshot
| Day | High °C | Low °C | Conditions | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | 3 | -9 | Snow at times heavy | 10-15 cm |
| Thursday, Apr 16 | -5 | -8 | Snow | 30% flurries at night |
| Friday, Apr 17 | 5 | -3 | Mix of sun and cloud | Clear |
| Saturday, Apr 18 | 8 | -1 | Sunny | None |
| Sunday, Apr 19 | 15 | 4 | Sunny / Cloudy periods | None |
| Monday, Apr 20 | 16 | 4 | Mix of sun and cloud | None |
| Tuesday, Apr 21 | 19 | — | Mix of sun and cloud | None |
What Are the Highs and Lows for Calgary This Week?
The temperature trajectory over the next seven days reflects two distinct phases. The first spans today through Thursday, during which daytime highs will struggle to exceed the freezing mark, with Thursday’s high reaching only -5°C. Overnight lows during this period will remain severely cold, ranging from -8°C to -9°C.
The second phase begins Friday and extends through Tuesday, bringing a notable warming trend. Friday’s high of 5°C marks the transition point, with temperatures continuing to climb through the weekend. By Tuesday, the mercury is expected to reach 19°C, representing a dramatic 24-degree increase from Thursday’s high.
Temperature Ranges by Day
Today’s temperature spread spans from a high of 3°C to a low of -9°C, creating a 12-degree daily range. Thursday presents the coldest conditions of the week, with a narrow 3-degree range between the high of -5°C and low of -8°C, indicating persistently cold conditions throughout the day.
Friday introduces more moderate readings with a high of 5°C and low of -3°C. The weekend sees continued improvement, with Sunday reaching 15°C during the day and dipping to 4°C at night. Monday and Tuesday maintain similar patterns, with Tuesday’s high of 19°C representing the week’s peak temperature.
Will It Rain or Snow in Calgary Over the Next 7 Days?
Precipitation patterns will dominate the early portion of this forecast period. Light drizzle is affecting Calgary currently, with conditions expected to shift to periods of rain during the afternoon before transitioning to snow. Heavy snowfall is anticipated late this afternoon, with accumulations of 10 to 15 centimetres expected.
Thursday will bring continued snow throughout the day, with a 30% chance of flurries persisting into Thursday night. Environment Canada’s warning indicates that heavy snow will affect central and southern Alberta through Thursday, with total accumulations ranging from 10 to 25 centimetres across the region.
Environment Canada has issued a yellow snowfall warning for the Calgary area. The warning carries a moderate impact level, indicating potential disruptions to travel and outdoor activities through Thursday.
Precipitation Timeline
Today began with light drizzle under 1°C conditions, with a 30% chance of drizzle continuing through early afternoon. Rain is forecast to begin during the afternoon hours before changing to snow, with heavy snow expected late this afternoon and continuing into the evening.
Tonight’s conditions include snow at times heavy, with accumulation continuing. Thursday maintains snow conditions throughout the day, with flurries remaining possible at night. From Friday onward, the precipitation threat diminishes significantly, with clear conditions expected Friday night, sunny weather Saturday, and predominantly dry conditions through Tuesday.
What Are the Wind and Other Conditions in Calgary’s 7-Day Outlook?
Wind patterns will shift throughout the forecast period, contributing to the variable conditions. Currently, northeast winds are blowing at 27 km/h with gusts reaching 37 km/h. This afternoon, winds are expected to remain northeast at 20 km/h with gusts to 40 km/h before shifting to northwest at similar speeds late evening.
Wind chill values represent a significant concern during the colder periods. This evening’s wind chill sits at -7°C, but overnight conditions will push the wind chill down to -15°C. These values, combined with active precipitation, create hazardous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors.
With wind chill values expected to reach -15°C overnight tonight, exposed skin can experience frostbite within minutes. Those planning outdoor activities should ensure adequate protection and monitor Environment Canada’s real-time updates for changing conditions.
Additional Weather Parameters
Barometric pressure currently sits at 100.4 kPa and is rising, which typically signals improving conditions in the coming hours. Visibility has reduced to 4 kilometres due to the current precipitation, and humidity levels at 90% contribute to the damp, cold feeling in the air.
UV index remains low at 2 throughout the active weather period, meaning sun exposure risk is minimal even during clearer moments. This changes as skies clear later in the week, though the index is not expected to reach high levels during this period.
Wind Direction and Speed Summary
- Current: Northeast at 27 km/h, gusting to 37 km/h
- This afternoon: Northeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h
- Late evening tonight: Northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h
- Friday through Tuesday: Generally lighter winds expected with clearing conditions
How Does This Week’s Weather Compare to Normal Conditions?
Mid-April in Calgary typically marks a transition period between winter and spring, when average temperatures range from around 8°C to 14°C during the day, with overnight lows near -1°C to 2°C. Historical climate data from Environment Canada’s Calgary Station records shows this period experiences variable precipitation, including occasional late-season snow events. For those interested in understanding how these transitional periods fit into the broader seasonal picture, our article on when summer starts covers the astronomical versus meteorological definitions of seasons.
The current forecast deviates notably from seasonal norms, with temperatures today through Thursday running significantly below average. Thursday’s high of -5°C is particularly anomalous for mid-April, suggesting an unusual cold air intrusion. However, the warming trend beginning Friday aligns more closely with typical spring patterns.
Heavy snowfall accumulations of 10 to 25 centimetres expected through Thursday may impact road conditions across the region. Motorists should consult Alberta road condition reports before traveling and allow extra time for journeys during the active weather period.
Historical Context
Calgary’s climate data indicates that significant April snowfalls occur periodically, though the magnitude of the current system is notable for mid-April. These late-season storms typically clear quickly as spring temperatures return, which aligns with the forecast showing improvement beginning Friday.
When Should You Check for Updated Forecast Information?
Weather conditions in Alberta can change rapidly, particularly during spring transition periods. Environment Canada updates its forecasts regularly, with more frequent revisions during active weather events like the current system.
The forecast confidence for today through Thursday is high, as these periods fall within the immediate forecast window with strong model agreement. Friday through Tuesday carry medium confidence, as longer-range predictions may be adjusted as the system evolves. Checking Environment Canada’s Calgary forecast page before making outdoor plans is advisable.
Forecast Confidence by Period
- Today through Thursday: High confidence — immediate forecast window with strong model agreement
- Friday through Sunday: Medium confidence — transition period, details subject to adjustment
- Monday through Tuesday: Lower confidence — extended range, temperatures and conditions may change
Summary
Calgary faces a significant spring snowstorm today through Thursday, with accumulations of 10 to 25 centimetres expected across the region. A yellow snowfall warning is in effect, and wind chill values will reach -15°C overnight tonight. However, conditions are expected to improve markedly starting Friday, with temperatures climbing to 19°C by Tuesday as skies clear. Those planning outdoor activities should monitor official Environment Canada forecasts for the latest information. For those interested in seasonal transitions, our article on When Does Summer Start – Astronomical vs Meteorological Dates explores how these spring patterns fit into the broader seasonal context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Calgary today?
Currently, Calgary is experiencing light drizzle at 1°C with northeast winds at 27 km/h gusting to 37 km/h. Conditions are expected to shift to heavy snow late this afternoon, with accumulation of 10 to 15 centimetres possible.
How much snow is expected in Calgary this week?
Environment Canada expects total accumulation of 10 to 25 centimetres across central and southern Alberta through Thursday, with 10 to 15 centimetres falling today alone.
When will the cold snap end in Calgary?
The cold period extends through Thursday, with a high of only -5°C expected. Warming begins Friday as temperatures climb to 5°C, continuing through the weekend to reach 19°C by Tuesday.
What is the forecast for the Calgary weekend?
Friday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 5°C. Saturday is forecast to be sunny at 8°C, while Sunday sees continued improvement with sunny conditions and a high of 15°C.
Is there a weather alert for Calgary?
Environment Canada has issued a yellow snowfall warning for Calgary and the surrounding region. The warning carries a moderate impact level, indicating potential travel disruptions through Thursday.
What are the wind conditions expected this week?
Winds will shift from northeast to northwest throughout the storm system, with speeds of 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h. Overnight wind chill will reach -15°C, creating hazardous conditions.
Where can I find hourly weather updates for Calgary?
Official hourly updates are available through Environment Canada’s Calgary forecast page, which provides regular updates as conditions change.