Wind warnings issued as chinook blows into Calgary

Wind warnings have been issued for a stretch of southern Alberta as a chinook is expected to propel the temperature in Calgary up to a balmy 8 C on Monday.

Environment Canada says the westerly winds could gust to 90 km/h from Hinton down to Magrath.

"High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions due to high winds," the agency said on its alerts page.

Wind warnings are in place forHinton, Grande Cache, Nordegg, Kananaskis, Canmore, Okotoks, High River, Claresholm, Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Waterton, Cardston, Magrath and Fort Macleod.

Those high winds are bringing chinook conditions to southern Alberta, a welcomed relief for Calgarians who just suffered through the second coldest February on record.

The forecast is calling for a return to highs just above the freezing mark for the rest of the week. But Environment Canada is calling for a high of 8 C on Saturday and 13 C on Sunday.

The fast melting of snow in Calgary could be a challenge for the city's 60,000 storm catch basins. The city is asking residents toclear ice and snow that's blocking their storm drains to help keep the water flowing, if they can do so safely. Otherwise, people should call 311.