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Arctic air descends on Canada
On Saturday morning, Environment Canada issued extreme cold warnings for vast regions of the Prairies, alongside parts of Ontario and Quebec, as a wave of arctic air swept southward. This sudden drop in temperature has resulted in dangerously low wind chill values, plunging below -40 degrees Celsius in areas such as northeastern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Chris Stammers, a senior meteorologist with Environment Canada, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Anything colder than -40 (wind chill) prompts an extreme cold warning, and most places aren’t having a problem reaching that this morning.” The cold snap is expected to persist for several days, with lows around -30 degrees Celsius continuing through Monday.
Impact on daily life and health risks
The frigid temperatures pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Meteorologist David Rodgers highlighted that frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes under such extreme conditions. He advised residents to remain indoors whenever possible and to dress warmly if they must venture outside.
The cold air is expected to reach southern Ontario, including major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, by Sunday, with temperatures forecasted to remain below freezing until at least Friday. Southern Ontario could experience highs of -12 degrees Celsius and lows of -20 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the milder winter conditions typically experienced in the region.
Historical context and future forecasts
While extreme cold is not uncommon in the Prairies, it is relatively rare in Ontario. Rodgers noted, “Minus 20 is kind of a threshold we look for here in Toronto, and it has dropped to -20 a couple of times in the last five years.” He added that such severe cold snaps might occur every two to three years, making this event noteworthy.
As the arctic air continues to affect various provinces, residents are urged to stay informed about weather updates and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The forecast suggests a slight warming trend in Saskatchewan by Tuesday, with Manitoba expected to see a similar easing of conditions a day later.
