Major early-season snowstorm shatters Calgary’s snow, temperature, precipitation and humidity records, Canada

A major early-season snowstorm hit parts of southern Canada at the beginning of October 2018, dumping more than 4 times the average monthly snow in just one day. The snow is now over in most of the region but more is expected in the days ahead. Below average temperatures are expected to continue.

According to Environment Canada data gathered by weather historian Rolf Campbell, the amount of snow Calgary, Alberta recorded in the first three days of October is more than quadruple the average of 9.2 cm (3.6 inches). By the end of October 3, Calgary's has already had its snowiest October since 1961 and is on its 7^th place for snowiest October since records began.

In 24 hours of October 2, the city recorded 32.8 cm (12.9 inches) of snow, making it the snowiest fall day in 103 years (since November 13, 1914). It was its snowiest day in more than 37 years (since May 6, 1981), the snowiest October day since records began in 1881, and the snowiest October 2 since records began in 1884.

With 23.7 mm (0.93 inches) of precipitation, it was also its wettest October 2 since records began in 1884.

With a high of -1.6 °C (29.1 °F) on October 2, it was the coldest October day in 5 years (since October 28, 2013). It was also its coldest October 2 since records began in 1884.

With an average humidity of 93.0%, it was Calgary's moistest October 2 since records began in 1953.

October 2 was also Calgary's first frozen day of the season, 27 days before typical first (October 29).

With a minimum temperature of -6.8 °C (19.7 °F), yesterday was Calgary's coldest October 3 in 115 years (1903).

Calgary ground to a halt after nearly 40 cm (unofficial observations) of snow hammered the city, prompting appeals to neighboring cities, and as far away as Edmonton, for additional snow removal equipment, The Weather Network meteorologists said, adding that this unusually cold pattern is set to last through the first half of October with reinforcing blasts of arctic air. "These massive mounds of snow aren't likely to go anywhere," they said.

Calgary Police and City of Calgary Transportation encouraged residents to stay off the roads if possible. A snow route parking ban went into effect for designated snow routes Wednesday morning at 10:00 local time, set to last until Saturday morning at 10:00, as clean up continues.

Police say there were over 250 collisions reported in the city of Calgary alone between 23:00 local time, October 1 and 15:30 on October 2. Elsewhere, RCMP responded to more than 80 collisions in southern Alberta in 24 hours to 10:30 LT, October 3.

Featured image credit: Wendy P