People living in western Saskatchewan are bracing for a winter blast just a day ahead of the official start of spring.

Environment Canada has issued a blizzard warning for Maple Creek, Shaunavon, Val Marie, the Cypress Hills, Leader and Gull Lake.

As much as 40 centimetres of snow is expected in the Cypress Hills area. Between 15 and 20 centimetres of snow reportedly fell in the Maple Creek area overnight.

Winds gusts reaching 80 kilometres an hour are expected to reduce visibility on roads in southwestern Saskatchewan.

The snow is expected to hit the Meadow Lake and North Battleford areas midway through the day.

A snowfall warning remains in effect for most communities near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.