An Arctic air mass sweeping through North America is bringing frigid temperatures to Western Canada, as reported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The severe cold, expected to persist through the weekend, is predominantly affecting the Prairies, with regions of northwestern Ontario, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba currently under orange warnings. Manitoba is experiencing wind chill values as low as -45 to -50 degrees Celsius until Monday, according to the government agency.
The ECCC warning emphasized the rapid onset of frostbite on exposed skin due to the extreme cold, particularly when combined with wind chill. It advised individuals to store emergency supplies in their vehicles, such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
Northwestern Alberta is projected to face wind chill values ranging from -40 to -50 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while northwestern Ontario anticipates an extended period of very cold wind chills. ECCC recommended that outdoor workers take regular breaks to warm up and dress in layered clothing that can be adjusted for varying temperatures, with outer layers designed to resist wind.
Meteorologist Natalie Hasell from ECCC noted that although this weather event may not break temperature records, the intensity of the cold from the polar vortex has made it notably significant in southern and central Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Hasell explained that the polar vortex’s position over Quebec is driving cold air southwards into the Prairies without any geographic barriers to halt its advance.
Additionally, ECCC issued yellow-level snow squall warnings in parts of Quebec, including Montreal, and northern and southwestern Ontario.