An extreme cold warning has been issued by Environment Canada for most of western Saskatchewan. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Bundle up

Extreme cold warning continues in Battlefords-Meadow Lake area

Dec 23, 2022 | 2:43 PM

People will want to put on their woolies if they need to go outside in the Battlefords-Meadow Lake area.

Environment and Climate Change Canada reports an extreme cold warning has been issued for the area, and most of western Saskatchewan.

Early Friday morning North Battleford saw temperatures of -37 C. With the wind chill, it felt even colder.

“Over the course of the day it will feel like – 38 as it warms slightly this afternoon,” meteorologist Sara Hoffman told battlefordsNOW. “The temperatures outside [create] a pretty dangerous situation.”

The record cold temperature for Dec. 23 for the North Battleford area was -47.2 C set in 1879.

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The extreme cold blowing through the area now is caused by an Arctic air mass that originated in Siberia and around the North Pole.

People are reminded to keep their pets indoors. If anyone needs to go outside, they should be sure to dress appropriately.

Frostbite or cold injuries can develop within a matter of minutes on exposed skin, especially with heightened wind chill.

“It’s really important to cover up any exposed flesh,” Hoffman said. “It’s time to put the scarves on, wear mitts and limit your time outside. These temperatures can lead to some very serious injuries, life changing injuries even, if [the warning is] not taken seriously and heeded.”

Looking ahead, the area is expected to see improved temperatures for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Dec. 24, Environment Canada forecasts a low-pressure system to develop in Alberta, which will then swing through Saskatchewan.

“This low-pressure system will allow warm air to flood in behind this area of cold air,” Hoffman said. “But it may also bring snow to the North Battleford area and maybe some periods of reduced visibility following the snow.

“If you have plans to be traveling late Christmas Eve, like Santa might, or early Christmas Day, just make sure to check the Highway Hotline website before you head out, to ensure the highways you are taking are safe,” she added.

Towards the end of next week temperatures should start to rebound to near normal for this time of year, which is a daytime high of -11 C for the North Battlefords area.

“We’re looking at temperatures pretty close to that or just a little bit below,” Hoffman said. “For Monday of next week [Dec. 26] we are still a little bit cooler than normal, but Tuesday and Wednesday we will get closer to the normal range.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow