An Arctic air mass moving through North America is bringing severe cold weather to Western Canada, as reported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The extreme cold conditions are predominantly affecting the Prairies, with regions of northwestern Ontario, Nunavut, and most of Saskatchewan and Manitoba currently under orange warnings as of Thursday.
In Manitoba, wind chill values are expected to range from -45 to -50 degrees Celsius until Monday, according to officials. The ECCC warning emphasizes the rapid development of frostbite on exposed skin, especially when combined with wind chill, and recommends keeping emergency supplies such as extra blankets and jumper cables in vehicles.
Northwestern Alberta is forecasted to experience wind chill values between -40 and -50 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while northwestern Ontario anticipates a prolonged period of very cold wind chills. ECCC advises outdoor workers to take regular breaks to warm up and suggests dressing in layered clothing that can be adjusted for varying temperatures, with outer layers that offer wind resistance.
Meteorologist Natalie Hasell from ECCC noted that although this weather event may not set temperature records, the intensity of the cold due to the polar vortex is notably significant across southern and central Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Hasell explained that the polar vortex’s influence, combined with the absence of geographic barriers, allows increasingly cold air to flow into the Prairies from Quebec, contributing to the extreme cold.
Additionally, ECCC has issued yellow-level snow squall warnings in parts of Quebec, including Montreal, as well as in northern and southwestern Ontario.