Arctic airmass across much of Alberta prompts extreme cold warning

Brace yourselves, Alberta: we’re in for some frigid temperatures, including wind chills of -40, as an arctic air mass has settled over much of the province and will remain until the end of the work week.

“The arctic high will bring mostly clear conditions and light winds, causing temperatures to drop below -30 C overnight in most of Alberta,” Global Edmonton chief meteorologist Jesse Beyer said Thursday afternoon.

“With wind speeds expected to be in the 10-20 km/h range, -30 C can quickly feel like -40.”

Environment Canada has issued extreme cold warnings for basically all of Alberta east of the mountains.

The weather agency said wind chill values ​​will moderate (up to a warm -20 or so) during the daylight hours on Friday, but the bitterly cold conditions could return to some regions that night.

“Parts of the city of Edmonton will drop below -30 C overnight, and with wind speeds near 10 km/h, it will be near -40 C on Friday morning,” Beyer said.

“Friday afternoon will reach almost -20 C, and feel into the -30s throughout the day.”

Make sure your vehicle starts in the cold

These kinds of temperatures can be hard on vehicle engines.

To make sure your oil and coolants stay warm so your vehicle will start easily, the Alberta Motor Association recommends that a vehicle’s block heater be plugged in for at least four hours when the outside temperature is -15 C or lower.

If your vehicle doesn’t have a block heater, AMA says switching to synthetic oil will help the engine turn over in cold weather.

Drivers are advised to make sure their gas tank is at least half full and consider using gas line antifreeze. It is important to make sure your radiator antifreeze is topped up as well.

Cold weather causes batteries to weaken and can lead to sluggish starting and difficulty turning an engine over in the winter.

Signs of a weak battery include dim headlights while idling, frequent boosts/not holding a charge, vehicle slow to turn over and engine jerking but not starting.

Cold temperatures can also affect tire pressure. AMA recommends checking your tire pressure during a cold snap, saying most lose one pound per square inch for every 5 C drop in temperature. Having equal pressure between all tires is especially important in winter, when it can affect traction.

Drivers are advised to always carry an emergency kit to ensure your safety in the event of an unexpected breakdown. This should include things like a blanket, warm clothes, caution triangles, a flashlight, gloves, and a shovel.

Concerns about freezing

Environment Canada issues extreme cold warnings when very cold temperatures or wind chills pose an increased risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia.

When the wind chill approaches -40 or lower, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as five to 10 minutes. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside, Environment Canada said.

Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people who work or exercise outdoors and those without proper shelter.

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Recognize the signs of frostbite and hypothermia

When going outside, wear layers and protect exposed skin with gloves, a toque and a scarf.

Boots should be waterproof, and it is recommended that people wear two or three layers of pants and shirts.

The City of Edmonton has already activated its extreme weather response to keep vulnerable Edmontonians safe during this cold snap. It is expected to remain in place until Thursday, December 8, at 08:00

The response is triggered when the wind chill makes temperatures feel like -20 for at least three consecutive nights and shelter utilization rates exceed 90 percent.

There’s relief in sight: Beyer said it looks like our highs will be back near -5 C to -10 C by Saturday.

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