Key Takeaways
- A polar vortex is bringing extremely cold temperatures to much of Canada, with wind chill values reaching as low as –55 C in some areas.
- The cold snap is expected to last through the weekend, with parts of southern Ontario also experiencing a snowstorm that could bring 20-30 centimetres of snow on Sunday.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued cold weather warnings for many regions, including the Prairies, eastern Canada, and Atlantic Canada.
- The cold weather can cause frostbite and hypothermia, especially for young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses.
- It’s essential to take precautions, such as dressing warmly, covering up, and checking on vulnerable family and friends.
Introduction to the Cold Snap
The upcoming weekend is expected to bring extremely cold temperatures to much of Canada, with the exception of southwest British Columbia, where cherry blossoms are blooming early. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued cold weather warnings from Prince Edward Island to eastern Alberta, with temperatures feeling like –55 C with wind chill in some parts of the Prairies. The polar vortex is behind this cold snap, which is expected to last through the weekend in most areas.
Regional Breakdown of the Cold Snap
The Prairies are expected to experience some of the coldest temperatures, with wind chill values ranging from –45 to –50 C in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Eastern Alberta can expect wind chill values of –40 C to –45 C, while northwestern Ontario’s orange weather warning ranges from Fort Severn to the Ignace and Fort Francis areas, with temperatures feeling as cold as –48 C overnight. Southern Quebec and the rest of Ontario east of Thunder Bay are under a yellow level weather warning, with lows feeling like –40 C. The Greater Toronto Area can expect a brutal blast of winter weather, with temperatures feeling like –35 C through the weekend and a snowstorm that could bring 20-30 centimetres of snow on Sunday.
Effects of the Deep Freeze
The extreme cold is already having an impact on daily life, with several school or bus service cancellations in Manitoba for the second consecutive day. Emergency response operations are also being affected, with fire crews dealing with frozen equipment and quick-freezing water, along with the biting wind. Some winter recreation activities are being paused, such as the ski trails at Winnipeg’s Windsor Park Nordic Centre. The city of Thunder Bay is operating its mobile warming centre, Care Bus, which provides access to a warm space and other essential services for those in need.
Preparing for the Extreme Cold
It’s essential to take precautions to stay safe during the extreme cold. ECCC recommends preparing an emergency kit with supplies that can last for 72 hours, including water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and a first-aid kit. The kit should be easy to find and accessible to everyone in the household. In case of a power outage, it’s crucial to have a plan in place, including a backup power source and a way to stay warm. Vehicle owners should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, such as extra blankets and jumper cables, and consider using a block heater to keep their engine warm.
Frostbite and Hypothermia Risks
The extreme cold can cause frostbite and hypothermia, especially for young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. Frostbite can develop within minutes on any exposed skin with wind chill values as low as they are in much of the country. It’s essential to watch for signs of numbness, pain, tingling, swelling, or color changes in fingers or toes and to move indoors to start warming up right away if any of these symptoms occur. ECCC urges people to cover up, making sure the outermost layer they’re wearing is wind-resistant, and to check on vulnerable family and friends.
Climate Change and Extreme Cold
The question on many people’s minds is why it’s so cold if climate change is warming the Earth. Climate change is determined by long-term trends on a global scale, with a variety of measurements that have shown a clear overall warming trend. This cold snap is an unusual weather event, but something short-term and regional. According to Megan Kirchmeier-Young, a research scientist with ECCC, extreme cold snaps are becoming less frequent, and temperatures during cold snaps that do occur are warmer than they might have been. However, it’s still essential to take precautions to stay safe during extreme cold snaps, as they can still have a significant impact on daily life and public health.
Conclusion
The upcoming weekend is expected to bring extremely cold temperatures to much of Canada, with the exception of southwest British Columbia. It’s essential to take precautions to stay safe, including preparing an emergency kit, dressing warmly, and checking on vulnerable family and friends. The extreme cold can cause frostbite and hypothermia, especially for young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, Canadians can stay safe and warm during this cold snap.
