Snow storms hit western Canada (and it's only September)

Calgary's one million residents are well accustomed to heavy snow and freezing temperatures -- but not in early September.

Unseasonable snow storms battered the western Canadian city for a third day in a row Wednesday, downing power lines to thousands of homes and businesses.

The city at the center of Canada's oil sector saw record snowfall this week, including 10 to 15 centimeters (four to six inches) on Wednesday, while temperatures plummeted to below freezing, according to Canada's Weather Office.

Schools were closed, flights delayed and the first day of competition at the Masters equestrian show jumping tournament was postponed.

"It's miserable outside folks," Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said on Twitter. "Take care of each other and stay safe out there."

But there is good news on the way: the weather is forecast to take another freakish turn, with temperatures expected to jump back to 24 degrees Celsius (75 Fahrenheit) in a few days.