An arctic high pressure system is moving it’s way through the Prairies bringing extremely cold temperatures to Lloydminster this weekend.
Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Sara Hoffman says air cooled in the Arctic is moving down south.
“The area of high pressure is situated on a line from northwestern Alberta to southwestern Manitoba. Right in the centre of that line will be some of the coldest temperatures so Lloydminster, central Saskatchewan and into southwestern Manitoba will see some of the coldest temperatures with this event.”
The coldest days will be Sunday and Monday with temperatures on Monday morning is expected to hit -45 C without windchill. Hoffman says snow and strong winds are unlikely but even a slight wind could increase the wind chill index making temperatures drop to below -50 C.
“We are expecting extreme cold warnings to go out sometime this weekend and we are expecting this area of cold temperatures to persist well into next week and could even last until next weekend.”
Residents are asked to stay indoors as much as possible and if they need to go outdoors, bundle up as much as they can making sure there is as little exposed skin as possible. Frostbite could develop in minutes in the extreme cold and people should go inside to warm up as much as possible.
Another reminder is to pack a winter survival kit for those needing to drive during the extreme conditions. The kit should include warm clothes, a blanket and some candles in case a motorist gets stranded on the road.
“An important reminder is if you were to get stranded do not leave your vehicle. Stay in your vehicle. Do not venture out or try and walk for help or walk home. A lot of the injuries or fatalities that happen are with people leaving their vehicle after they are stranded.”