Canada is bracing for an intense deep freeze this weekend, which will stretch from Alberta to the Atlantic provinces. While some areas like southwest British Columbia enjoy early cherry blossoms, the rest of the country faces significant cold weather warnings.
Polar Vortex and Extreme Cold Warnings
The deep freeze is fueled by a polar vortex, leading to severe wind chill warnings. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) predicts that temperatures in the Prairies could plummet to a wind chill value of -55 °C.
Effects on the Prairies
Eastern Alberta is set to experience wind chills between -40 °C and -45 °C over the weekend. Warnings in Saskatchewan and Manitoba include wind chill values from -45 °C to -50 °C, prompting orange alerts across these regions. ECCC indicates that although wind chill values might improve slightly during the day, they will drop again below -40 °C at night.
- Eastern Alberta: Wind chills -40 °C to -45 °C
- Saskatchewan and Manitoba: Wind chills -45 °C to -50 °C
In Manitoba, this has resulted in numerous school and bus service cancellations, with emergency response teams facing challenges due to the extreme cold. Activities, including winter sport engagements, have also been suspended.
Conditions in Eastern Canada
In Northwestern Ontario, where an orange weather warning is in effect, temperatures could feel like -48 °C overnight. Southern Ontario and parts of Quebec will also face severe cold, with temperatures feeling as low as -40 °C.
- Northwestern Ontario: Wind chills down to -48 °C
- Southern Ontario: Wind chills -35 °C
In anticipation of the inclement weather, the city of Thunder Bay has initiated the Care Bus mobile warming center to assist residents without access to adequate heating. The Greater Toronto Area is also preparing for significant snowfall, with predictions of up to 30 centimeters of snow.
Atlantic Canada Under Alerts
In Atlantic Canada, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are under yellow weather warnings. Wind chills in these locations will feel between -30 °C to -35 °C. A brief but intense snowfall is forecasted in northeastern New Brunswick.
Health and Safety Precautions
ECCC urges residents to be cautious. Frostbite can develop in minutes at such low temperatures. Signs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Numbness and color change in extremities
The agency recommends people dress warmly in wind-resistant outer layers, especially vulnerable groups like young children and the elderly. Additionally, residents should prepare emergency kits, which can include food, water, and first-aid supplies, to withstand possible power outages.
Vehicle Preparedness During Extreme Cold
For vehicle owners, it’s crucial to keep emergency supplies such as blankets and jumper cables in the car. Using a block heater can help in maintaining engine warmth during frigid temperatures, allowing for smoother operation.
Conclusion
Canada’s extreme cold spell serves as a stark reminder of winter’s grip. While climate change creates an overarching warming trend globally, this polar vortex leads to short-term weather anomalies. Residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions as they endure this severe cold snap.
