Moose Jaw residents may slowly see the snow around the city disappear, as very mild weather is in the forecast heading into the end of November.  

Environment Canada Meteorologist, Terri Lang says that a ridge of high pressure is starting to build over most of Western Canada causing these very un-seasonal temperatures.  

“That’s because there is an atmospheric river that’s hitting the coast of British Columbia and those atmospheric rivers bring quite mild air,” says Lang. “What they do over western Canada is they bring in the Chinook winds because mild air and all that air gets squeezed out over the mountains and then it comes downs the other side and it warms as it comes down and it’s quite dry.” 

Lang adds that these warm temperatures will allow that month-long snow cover in Moose Jaw to melt.  

“Once you lose that snow cover and there isn’t much, then temperatures can get quite mild. Things are looking good for some mild temperatures for a bit of a change since it’s been a cold start to November,” adds Lang.  

The mild temperature began on Sunday and will continue through this week with daytime highs above zero degrees. Friday will be the warmest with a projected daytime high of eight degrees. Temperatures will then dip below zero this weekend.  

It’s safe to safe that these early fall-like temperatures are unusual for Moose Jaw for this time of the year.  

“Given the 30-year average highs are around –2 degrees and overnight are around –12, although we do know there could be a huge range in there. Record temperatures are up around the mid-teens and the record lows are a lot colder than that.” 

Though it is nice that the area is getting these milder temperatures, the risk is greater with the freeze/thaw cycle coming into play.  

“When there is melting of the snow and it freezes overnight that turns it into black ice when it looks like it’s melted on the roads but it’s really black ice. It’s really tricky. It’s also good for forming potholes.” 

On Monday, Environment Canada issued a Freezing Rain Warning for Moose Jaw and surrounding areas, as a storm is expected to pass through bringing with it a mix of precipitation.  

Lang encourages anyone travelling on area highways to check the local road conditions on the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline.  

Also, keep up to date with Discover Moose Jaw’s Road Report and Cancellations page.