First significant snowfall of season coming to Calgary and area

In an abrupt change to the warm temperatures experienced so far this fall, Calgarians are expected to get their first glimpse of snow come Monday morning. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special weather statement for the city and surrounding area, alerting Albertans to the first significant snowfall of the season. 

The area ECCC is monitoring stretches as far north as Ponoka, Alta., and as far south as Claresholm. Bragg Creek and Drumheller mark the snowfall area's respective west and east boundaries.

Erin Staunton, a meteorologist with ECCC, said precipitation will begin as rain on Monday morning before becoming snow later in the day. Several centimetres are expected to fall before the snow begins to taper off on Monday evening. 

"There is going to be some variability in terms of how much [snow] actually sticks to the ground," said Staunton, adding that in some areas, it could melt right away. 

Because rain is expected earlier in the day, Staunton advised drivers to be prepared for slippery travel conditions. 

A first snowfall at this time of year is fairly typical, said Staunton, and ECCC expects relatively clear conditions throughout much of the rest of the week. 

"We don't expect much in the way of snow ... once its over and done with Monday night," she said. 

Joanna Tschudy, a community engagement co-ordinator with the Calgary Horticultural Society, said she spent Sunday afternoon readying her garden and backyard for the change in the season, but admitted it snuck up on her. 

"We get seasonal amnesia, everybody does. I'm always like, 'Oh yeah, I have to make sure all the water is out of my hoses,'" said Tschudy.

"But this should feel familiar for folks.... When I looked to my calendar last year, our first hard killing frost was Oct. 23 in our neighborhood, so this is seasonal."

Tschudy said she's welcoming the snow as a good drink of water for the trees, shrubs and perennials in her garden after a hot and dry summer. She added that mulching garden beds, with either leaves from the yard or with whatever is left over from the growing season, is a good way to help keep soil moist throughout the winter. 

Otherwise, she's focusing on harvesting the last bits of her vegetable garden — including some carrots, parsley, thyme, and leafy greens — as well as draining her rain barrels, and collecting seeds for planting next year. 

After a busy season of gardening, Tschudy said she looks forward to winter as a time to go inward and reflect.