First Extreme Cold Air of the Season to Settle Across the Prairies Over the Coming Days, Overnight Lows Dipping Below -30°C
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While it has been quite cool across the Prairies this week on the backside of last weekend’s storm, it’s about to get even colder over the next few days. The first of this extreme cold will be experienced overnight Thursday and Friday morning. A large swath of the Prairies will have overnight lows below -20°C tonight while parts of Central Saskatchewan will see temperatures dipping below -30°C, prompting the first Extreme Cold Warnings of the season from Environment Canada that includes Saskatoon.
This intense cold poses a risk to everyone, especially young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. Symptoms of cold exposure, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes, should be monitored closely.
Winds overnight are expected to top out at around 10-15km/h and while this is just a light breeze, it’ll be enough to drive the windchill well below -40°C in the coldest areas. At these temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes so it is crucial to cover up when going out and limiting exposure all together. It’s also wise to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra blankets and jumper cables, in case of an emergency.
We will continue to provide updates over the coming days as these cold temperatures persist.
