Snow, freezing rain, fog expected for central, northern Sask.: Environment Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a freezing rain and snowfall warning for large portions of central and northeastern Saskatchewan, with 10 to 15 centimeters of snow expected from Friday into Saturday morning.

The ECCC warning covers Saskatoon, including central areas including Martensville, Warman and Rosthern, Humbolt, Wynyard and Foam Lake, Melfort, Tisdale and Nipawin.

The agency says snow is expected to begin Friday evening and intensify overnight, tapering off through the day Saturday.

Dan Fulton, a meteorologist with ECCC, said it's being caused by a disturbance in western Montana that is moving northeast into the province.

"It's spreading an area of precipitation, " Fulton said.

"It's likely actually freezing rain or even rain in the extreme southwest of the province, kind of the Cypress Hills area, but as it pushes further north into the colder air, which is over most of the province, it's going to turn to snow."

ECCC has rated the impact level as moderate, with high forecast confidence, noting that visibility might be reduced at times and travel conditions could change.

The agency has also issued a fog warning with near zero visibility throughout parts of southern Saskatchewan. Fog patches with near zero visibility are expected in areas including the Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Assiniboia areas.

"For much of the Trans Canada — kind of the Trans Canada south — [it] is pretty dense fog out there, patchy but still fairly dense. And there is a freezing rain advisory out for Cypress Hill, Shaunavon and to the Assiniboia region as well."

Fulton says as the snow arrives strong winds are expected to develop in the northwest on the backside of that system.

"It shouldn't be too bad in the Saskatoon area, but if you go further kind of southwest into Kindersley, Leader and the Swift Current area, they're expecting some blowing snow there tomorrow as kind of the Arctic front comes through and cold air floods into the region," he said

"So it's definitely a weekend you should take a look at the forecast before you head out the door if your planning on traveling."

As of Friday morning, the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline says portions of Highway 1 and southern Saskatchewan remained bare and dry.

Many areas across central, northern and eastern parts of the province were reported as partly covered to fully covered highways, with loose snow, drifting snow, ice, slush and reduced visibility.