Key Takeaways:
- Cold warnings are in effect across parts of Canada, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -50 C in some areas.
- Residents are advised to dress warmly, cover up to avoid frostbite, and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles.
- Snowfall warnings are in effect for southern Quebec and the Maritimes, with some areas expecting up to 35 cm of snow.
- Drivers are advised to be careful and take it slow due to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
- The extreme cold and snow are expected to last for several days, with some areas under yellow or orange alert warnings.
Introduction to the Winter Weather
The winter season has brought extreme cold and snow to various parts of Canada, with cold warnings in effect from eastern Alberta to southern Manitoba, and snowfall warnings in southern Quebec and the Maritimes. The cold warnings are expected to last for several days, with temperatures dropping as low as -50 C in some areas. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during this period.
Cold Warnings in the Prairies
The Prairies are experiencing extremely cold temperatures, with wind chills expected to reach -40 C in some areas. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are under cold warnings, with yellow and orange alerts in effect. The orange alert warning signals widespread impacts that may last for several days. Residents in cities such as Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg woke up to sunny skies and temperatures of -35 C, with wind chills of -42 C. Some communities in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba could see temperatures reaching as low as -50 C.
Precautions and Safety Measures
Residents are advised to dress warmly and in layers that can be removed if they get too warm. Officials also advise covering up to avoid frostbite, which can develop within minutes on exposed skin. Drivers are advised to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, such as extra blankets and jumper cables. It is also important to check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and young children, to ensure they are safe and warm.
Extreme Cold in Ontario and Quebec
The extreme cold is not limited to the Prairies, as Ontario and Quebec are also experiencing freezing temperatures. Some parts of western and central Ontario are facing cold warnings, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -40 C. In northeastern communities along the lower St. Lawrence, yellow alert cold warnings forecast wind chills hitting between -30 and -40. Montreal, Laval, and the Brome-Missisquoi area are among those expected to see significant snowfall, with 15 to 20 cm expected between Sunday morning and Monday evening.
Snowfall Warnings in the Maritimes
The Maritimes are expecting significant snowfall, with yellow alert snowfall warnings in effect for much of central and northern Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton. The area is expected to see 25 to 35 cm of snow, with wind gusts of 50 to 70 km/h. Southwest Nova Scotia faces similar snowfall amounts, but is also under a winter storm warning with maximum wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h expected. New Brunswick is expecting a long period of snowfall in several parts of the province, starting Sunday evening, with a yellow alert snowfall warning issued for cities including Moncton, St. John, and Fredericton.
Conclusion and Final Precautions
The extreme cold and snow are expected to last for several days, with some areas under yellow or orange alert warnings. Residents are advised to stay safe and warm, and to take necessary precautions to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Drivers should be careful and take it slow due to blowing snow and reduced visibility. It is also important to check on vulnerable individuals and to keep emergency supplies on hand. By taking these precautions, Canadians can stay safe and warm during this period of extreme winter weather.
