Miserable weather slams Alberta and some spots could see a wind chill of -44°C
It’s sure feeling like winter across most of Alberta today, with some spots forecast to see wind chill values below -40°C overnight.
The Edmonton region saw a band of snow move through this morning, while portions of southern Alberta saw plenty of freezing rain. Now, some seriously chilly temperatures are on the way.
Cold warnings are in effect for a wide swath of northern Alberta, with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) saying that a period of very cold wind chills is expected.
Very cold temperatures and wind chill values near -40°C were hit in some areas this morning, and temperatures are set to moderate slightly this afternoon.
Wind chill values near -40°C will return tonight, and forecasters say the cold will moderate again in some areas Friday afternoon but return Friday night. Cold and wind chill values near -40°C will end by Saturday afternoon.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind-resistant. Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside,” the warning added.
Some northern communities will see some extreme wind chill values, with the community of High Level looking at a wind chill of -31°C this evening before plummeting to a wind chill of -44°C overnight, per the forecast as of 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
You can view the full list of watches, warnings, and special weather statements on the ECCC weather information portal.
ECCC told Daily Hive yesterday that the dip in temperatures and cold set to hit most of the province this week is a tad outside of the norm you would expect for Alberta this early into the season, especially with the -25°C and below marker being hit.
Folks in southern Alberta, including Calgary, will have it better than residents of Edmonton and northern Alberta, thanks to the placement of where the low tracks move.
A low track that made its way onshore across the southern part of Vancouver Island is pushing warm air into the southern portions of Alberta, as opposed to a more northernly tracked low that may pull that warm air a little further north.
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“It’s the clash between that really strong Arctic air that’s moving southward from the north, and these low-pressure systems that make their way onto the shore, bringing lots of that moisture in that warm air, and that can push up, poke up into the southern portion of Alberta,” said James Colangelo, a meteorologist with ECCC.
That helps create a drastic warming situation where the lows are pushing warm air in, and as soon as those lows kind of track off and there’s a lull, the Arctic air pushes in right behind the cold front as it moves through. That’s why some areas, like Calgary, are seeing wild swings in temperatures.
Looking at the forecast for Edmonton and Calgary, it’s apparent Calgary will be treated to the warmer air, while Edmonton is wrapped up by much brisker air.
Edmonton forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
According to ECCC, the average high for Edmonton around this time of year is -5°C, while the average low is -14°C.
Calgary forecast
Environment and Climate Change Canada
According to ECCC, the average high for Calgary around this time of year is -1°C, while the average low is -13°C.