Blowing snow and snow squalls are threatening safe driving conditions this afternoon across the southern half of the province.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Danielle Desjardins says if you don’t have to drive anywhere, it’s best to stay home. The cold front is bringing strong winds to west-central Saskatchewan first, impacting areas like Meadow Lake, North Battleford, and Kindersley most before tracking to the southeast.

Desjardins says the conditions will become apparent this afternoon, affecting visibility on roadways in the southern half of the province.

“We are expecting poor travel conditions under the blowing snow just as this front slumps through. Along with the falling snow, we’re expecting some reduced visibility.” She adds that Highway Hotline indicates that travel is not recommended near Meadow Lake, Dorintosh, Loon Lake, St. Walburg and Glaslyn.

“If you can delay travel for the afternoon, it would be preferable. But if you do have to travel, make sure you are giving yourself enough time to get to where you need to be.”

On the bright side, Desjardins says the weather event won’t last long. By later this evening, the front will have moved into Manitoba, giving way to sunny skies and highs nearing zero degrees this weekend, which is nearly ten degrees warmer than the seasonal average.