Weather Tracker: Canada Faces Heavy Snowfall, Sri Lanka Prepares for Rain

Heavy snowfalls are affecting western Canada, with warnings in Alberta and Saskatchewan for significant accumulation. Sri Lanka is bracing for heavy rainfall from a developing low-pressure system. Meanwhile, Europe has experienced a sharp rise in temperatures following recent winter weather, while South Africa anticipates a temporary rise in temperature followed by heavy rain.

An area of low pressure has recently generated significant snowfall in western Canada, prompting weather warnings in Alberta and Saskatchewan, where accumulations of 150-250mm (6-10 inches) of snow are expected. As this system progresses, it will bring additional snow to the eastern regions of Canada early in the week. The subsequent buildup of pressure following the snowfall is likely to trap cold air from the north, resulting in severe frost conditions. In Saskatoon, temperatures are projected to remain below -20°C, exceeding 15°C under the seasonal average. By the weekend, this cold front is anticipated to migrate south into the United States.

Concurrently, Sri Lanka is preparing for heavy rainfall due to a low-pressure area that originated off the Philippines last week, moving northwestward. Although it is not expected to develop into a tropical storm, the system may still cause significant disruptions from prolonged rain. A red weather warning has been issued for thunderstorms, estimating 100-150mm of rain within 24 hours. After impacting Sri Lanka, the system is predicted to head towards India’s eastern coastline, potentially causing additional disturbances.

In Europe, a notable temperature increase occurred over the weekend as Storm Bert concluded a period of wintry weather. Cities like Paris, which saw several centimeters of snow the previous week, reported minimum temperatures in the mid-teens on Sunday, aligning closely with July averages rather than November norms. In Santon Downham, eastern England, maximum temperatures soared from 2.7°C under snowy conditions to 18.7°C in merely three days. Some weather stations across northwestern Europe noted dramatic temperature shifts, surging from freezing to well above normal seasonal temperatures within 24-36 hours.

Looking ahead, South Africa is also poised for a substantial rise in temperatures, with eastern regions expected to be 5-10°C above the seasonal average, reaching 36-39°C in certain areas by Monday. However, heavy rain is forecasted to traverse the eastern regions on Wednesday, potentially bringing up to 30mm of rainfall and causing temperatures to fall to 15-20°C, approximately 5-7°C below the norm.

Recent weather patterns have displayed significant fluctuations across several regions globally. The occurrence of low-pressure systems has led to heavy snowfalls in parts of Canada, with subsequent frost expected due to trapping of cold air. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is preparing for rain brought on by another low-pressure area, while northwestern Europe experiences atypical warming temperatures post-storm. All these phenomena reflect the diverse impacts of seasonal weather changes and fluctuations on different continents, highlighting the need for awareness and preparedness.

In summary, the current weather conditions highlight a mix of severe winter weather in Canada, heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka, and an unexpected rise in temperatures across Europe. With regions experiencing varied climatic impacts, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for respective weather advisories. The ongoing shifts in weather patterns underscore the importance of monitoring meteorological developments as they can dramatically affect daily life and regional conditions.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com