Is winter here? Environment Canada warns Calgary about snow

Snow is in Calgary's forecast for Monday afternoon in what Environment Canada cautions could be a sharp reversal from Sunday's warm September weather.

While Calgarians basked in temperatures that were expected to reach 25 C on Sunday, Environment Canada issued a "special weather statement" for Alberta's largest city: "First snowfall of the season possible on Monday."

The forecast comes one full month before the Flames play host at the Scotiabank Saddledome to the Vancouver Canucks in the two NHL clubs' season opener on Oct. 8.

"Summer will remain for one more day in Southern Alberta before an intense cold front moves through on Monday," Environment Canada said, noting that more than five centimetres of snow could fall in some areas while the thermometer dips to 2 C.

Residents in other major cities in the Prairies won't need their snow boots, though umbrellas will come in handy because rain is expected Monday in Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg.