Feeling like January: First real cold snap grips the Prairies to end November
The first real cold snap of the season is settling across the Prairies, with wind chill values into the minus 20s, and potentially minus 30s. Frostbite can occur within just 10 minutes of being outdoors
There's no denying that winter has arrived early, and in full force, across the Prairies. After a weekend that brought heavy snow and dangerous travel to the region, frigid temperatures have now settled in, and look to be sticking around for a while, yet.
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Daytime high temperatures will be sitting in the negative double digits, more typical of the average low for this time of year. The core of the cold will reside in Saskatchewan, where highs in Regina will actually dip to -20°C, and overnight lows will approach a frigid -30°C.
Temperatures take a frigid turn to end November
A frigid air mass from Siberia will cross over the North Pole this week and sweep into Canada around the turn of the month. Temperatures will settle well below normal right through the start of December.
Daytime highs are expected to hover in the negative teens for several regions, with low temperatures dipping to the -20s during the week.
This extended stretch of frigid air will likely come as a shock to the system. Regina, Sask., didn’t see a -20 C reading last winter until mid-January.
Many communities will struggle to climb out of the negative double digits by Friday, with bitterly cold wind chill values to match the deep freeze.
The normal daytime high for this time of year in Calgary, Alta., is 0°C, while both Regina, Sask., and Winnipeg, Man., usually sit closer to -5°C.
The focus of the coldest weather is expected to shift to eastern areas for the start of December, while the cold pattern will somewhat relax across Alberta.
Prevent cold-related emergencies
As the colder weather hits well before the winter season arrives, it is important to recognize when someone has been exposed to cold for too long. According to the Canadian Red Cross, there are ways to prevent cold-related emergencies, and be able to provide help when needed. They include:
Covering your head and trunk by wearing a hat and layers of tightly woven fabrics such as wool or synthetics.
Cover up exposed areas such as your fingers, cheeks, ears, and nose.
If your clothes get wet when you are in the cold, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Drink plenty of warm fluids to help your body stay warm and hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Eat high-calorie food and drinks regularly as the body converts food to energy, which heats the body.
Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes as you heat up or cool off.
Bring additional warm clothing when going out for extended periods or in case of emergency.
Don’t wear tight fitting clothing or footwear that may impair circulation.
Seek shelter from the wind if you are getting cold, even if it is only behind a tree, hill, embankment, or other landscape feature.
For more tips on frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-weather emergencies, read more from the Red Cross, here.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across the Prairies.
