Alberta Clipper
By BarBaraPrz
@BarBaraPrz (48796)
St. Catharines, Ontario
March 8, 2025 8:35am CST
Alberta Clippers are caused by low-pressure systems that form when warm winds from the Pacific Ocean collide with the colder air over the Rocky Mountains. The system moves east before getting swept up into the jet stream, which carries it down over the Prairies and southern Ontario before dumping it over the Atlantic Ocean.
This weather system can pick up moisture from the Great Lakes, which causes "lake effect" snowfall. But there doesn't seem to be any sn*w in the forecast for more than a week, so I'm happy about that. I'm also happy about the sunshine 
we're having today, even though it's not supposed to get any warmer than +2°C/36°F.
And that, class, concludes today's science lesson. You may talk quietly among yourselves now.
we're having today, even though it's not supposed to get any warmer than +2°C/36°F.
And that, class, concludes today's science lesson. You may talk quietly among yourselves now.7 people like this
6 responses
@DaddyEvil (142853)
• United States
8 Mar
I've never heard that term before but it does make sense. We've been in the path of the strong winds this week, too. We happen to be completely clouded over today and it looks like it could rain at any moment but the forecast says we won't see rain for several more days. Thank you for the science lesson.
I hope it warms up for you soon... We're supposed to see more warm days coming up this next week.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (48796)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Mar
Yes, it's supposed to warm up here next week, too.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (142853)
• United States
8 Mar
@BarBaraPrz Nice! I hope you can get out and enjoy it!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (186236)
• United States
8 Mar
Interesting..we actually get them down here too. They blow down from Canada However, where are they when we need them .during summer broiling season
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (48796)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Mar
Exactly! (Actually, I don't mind hot weather.)
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (52484)
• Canada
8 Mar
Yes, I am waaaaay too familiar with the meteorological term Alberta Clipper.
It wouldn't be such a terribly bad day out today if it weren't for that cold wind.
Next week we will enjoy some warm days, we have to hold out for that.
I notice that the little birds are returning, that is a positive sign of spring.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (48796)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8 Mar
Yes, I see little birdies in my thorn bush and my neighbor's lilacs. I don't know how much shelter they get in the bare branches, but I guess it's better than nothing, and at least the thorn bush has berries.
1 person likes this
