Another blast of Arctic cold weather descends on central and northern Alberta, which could experience wind chills of -40 C to -50 over the next two days.
Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning for almost the entire province north of Red Deer on Monday afternoon.
“After a mild weekend, the Arctic has once again unleashed its fury on the Prairies with a significant but short-lived cooldown,” said Global Edmonton Chief Meteorologist Jesse Beyer.
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What warrants an extreme cold warning in Canada? Depends where you are
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What warrants an extreme cold warning in Canada? Depends where you are
“After another round of light showers on Monday, an Arctic high will clear the skies overnight, bringing lows near -30 C and wind chills as low as -40 in Alberta.”
Environment Canada said extremely cold wind chill values near -40 are expected, and a few areas could also see wind chill values approach -50.
“Tuesday will hover near -20 C for the high, but we should be back to average temperatures by Wednesday with a forecast of just -5 C,” Beyer said.
The National Weather Service said it will warm up slightly Wednesday afternoon, but eastern and northern parts of Alberta are likely to see wind chills near -40 again Wednesday evening.
This is the second time this month that extreme cold warnings have been issued in the province.
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.
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.
Last week, the City of Edmonton activated its extreme weather response to keep vulnerable Edmontonians safe during the cold snap. It is expected to remain in place until 8 a.m. Thursday, December 8, but if conditions remain extremely cold beyond that time frame, the response will be extended.
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City of Edmonton activates extreme weather response
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.
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