Alberta Storm: Summer Snowstorms, Sharknados, Winter Tires, and Driving Tips for Sudden Changes in Temperature
Summer snowstorm? Snow in September? What’s next – a sharknado?
But, in all seriousness, the snow in Alberta last week just proved once again how unpredictable the weather can be and how ill prepared most drivers are when the season changes. This situation is the exception to the rule and most drivers usually have more of an advanced warning that the winter driving season is on the way.
Time for Winter Tires Already?
If you put on your winter tires on before the snow, you deserve a prize for preparedness. However, today you would also be driving around with winter tires on in the summer – something that could quickly wear down your winter tires.
In a regular year in Alberta, the average temperature is about 11 degree in September, with 33 degrees being the record at the high end and – 11 degrees being the record at the low end. So for most drivers in Alberta, October is usually the month when winter tires are put on. Should you put your winter tires on now? No. Not necessary – remember the 7 degrees rule? Keep tabs on the weather in your area.
4 Driving Tips for Sudden Changes in Temperature
There is no doubt that the recent snowstorm caused a chaotic commute for drivers in Southern Alberta. It also proved that drivers need to brush up on their approach to driving when the weather makes a sudden change. No one wants to get into an accident or end up in the ditch.
Here are some driving tips to consider:
- Stay home – This is the best action you can take when the roads are in bad condition.
- Slow down – This should go without saying, but you need to slow down when the road conditions change suddenly, especially if you don’t have winter tires.
- Be conscious of road conditions – Always adjust your driving based on the weather conditions.
- Be predictable and deliberate – Avoid making and sudden lane changes or changes in direction. Be deliberate and predictable with your actions.
For more driving tips check out Driving In Poor Weather Conditions
One thing is for sure – The real winter will show up before we know it. If you don’t have a set already, now is the perfect time to shop for winter tires and get ready for the winter driving season ahead.