Key Takeaways
- Frigid temperatures are expected to affect much of Western Canada, including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Snow advisories are in effect for parts of Alberta, with 10-20 cm of snow expected to fall by Christmas morning.
- Cold warnings are in effect for parts of Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, with wind chill values as low as -45 to -50 C.
- The Yukon is experiencing extreme cold, with wind chills hitting -45 to -55 C, but temperatures are expected to rise slightly over the weekend.
- Drivers are advised to adjust their travel plans to take into account road conditions and to check for updates before traveling.
Introduction to the Weather Situation
Frigid temperatures are gripping much of Western Canada, with snow advisories and cold warnings in effect for several provinces. In Alberta, a snowy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are expected, with as much as 10-20 cm of snow predicted to fall by Christmas morning. Environment Canada is urging drivers to consider adjusting their travel plans to take into account road conditions, which may be hazardous due to the snow and cold temperatures. This warning is particularly important for those planning to travel to Central Alberta, where the snowfall is expected to be heaviest.
Weather Conditions in Alberta and Beyond
In addition to the snow advisories in Alberta, cold warnings are also in effect for parts of Manitoba, as well as Alberta and Saskatchewan. The cold warnings are due to wind chill values that are expected to drop as low as -45 to -50 C in some areas. This is extremely cold, even for the winter season, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe. Furthermore, parts of British Columbia’s northern interior could also see wind chill values as low as -45 until mid-way through Christmas Day, making it a chilly holiday season for many Canadians.
The Yukon’s Extreme Cold
The Yukon is experiencing some of the most extreme cold in the country, with wind chills hitting -45 to -55 C. This cold snap has been ongoing for several days, and residents are bracing for a chilly Christmas. However, according to Derek Lee, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, the cold is expected to ease slightly over the weekend. Lee noted that Arctic air has been building over the territory for the last week and a half, but a change in the weather pattern is expected to bring some moisture and cloud cover, which will help keep temperatures higher than they are currently. While the cold is not going anywhere, temperatures are expected to rise by 10-20 degrees by the weekend, making it slightly more manageable for residents.
Forecast for the Weekend
While the cold is not expected to disappear completely, the forecast for the weekend is looking slightly more promising. According to Lee, cloud cover is expected to sweep over the territory from north to south, helping to keep in some warmer air. This will result in temperatures rising to the negative 35 to negative 40 range by the weekend, which is still cold but significantly warmer than the negative 50s currently being experienced. Residents are advised to continue taking necessary precautions to stay warm and safe, but the slight warming trend is welcome news for those looking forward to a slightly more pleasant holiday season.
Conclusion and Travel Advisory
In conclusion, the weather situation in Western Canada is looking quite chilly, with snow advisories and cold warnings in effect for several provinces. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe, and drivers are urged to adjust their travel plans to take into account road conditions. With the forecast looking slightly more promising for the weekend, residents can look forward to a slightly more manageable holiday season. However, it is still important to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.