Gradual warm-up on the way for Saskatchewan

After a historically cold February in Saskatchewan, the first full week of March is expected to offer some relief, but temperatures will still be well below average for several days.

In Saskatoon, normal daytime highs for this week would be between -2 C and -4 C. However, lingering cold air is expected to keep temperatures to -12 C Monday and Tuesday, and -13 C on Wednesday.

Thursday is expected to see temperatures move to a high of -9 C, with a high of -5 C forecast for Friday.

Regina is expected to see a high of -13 C Monday, with a 60-per-cent chance of flurries.

By 7 a.m., Environment Canada issued a blowing snow advisory for the city and areas south of it.

The Queen City is also expected to see temperatures stay below average through the week, with highs of -11 C and -13 C expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

As in Saskatoon, Regina is also expected to see temperatures climb to -9 C by Thursday and then -5 C by Friday.

With the temperature rising and spring inevitably on the way, Environment Canada’s Sara Hoffman is hopeful the frigid weather is behind the province.

“I think we’ve got the well-below seasonal temperatures behind us, but we are looking at a colder-than-normal start to the month,” Hoffman said.

Average daytime highs for this time of year in Regina are also between -2 C and -4 C.

Hoffman said there’s a weather system that’s building in the U.S., which could bring some snow to the extreme southern parts of the province.

Over the next three months, Saskatoon will see a normal amount of precipitation, but Regina will see below-normal levels.