Weekend Winter Weather: Record Cold in the West, Snowstorms in the East

Winter weather is hitting different parts of Canada this weekend with extreme cold temperatures in the west and snowstorms in the east.

Parts of British Columbia and most of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have extreme cold weather warnings issued by Environment Canada.

British Columbia could see wind chill values near minus 20 Celsius, including in the Lower Mainland.

The arctic ridge over B.C. could mean some residents see temperatures closer to minus 40 Celsius.

In Alberta, the wind chill could bring temperatures down to minus 55 Celsius, according to the Environment Canada website.

Related Stories

Saskatchewan will see similar temperatures, Environment Canada said.

“An arctic air mass continues to bring dangerously cold temperatures to the region. The extreme cold, combined with winds of 15 to 30 km/h, will result in wind chill values ranging from -50 to -40 at times over the coming days,” the forecast for Saskatchewan said.

Manitoba is under a similar weather warning by Environment Canada.

Ontario is under a snowfall watch, coupled with high wind warnings in some parts of the province.

The GTA is expected to see up to 40 centimeters of snow by Monday.

Environment Canada is advising residents in the area to avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve early next week.

“Travel may be hazardous due to sudden changes in the weather,” the website said. “Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.”

Most of Quebec is also under a winter storm warning, with some parts of the province expected to see 25 to 30 centimeters of snowfall.

“Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow,” the storm warning says. “Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.”

Areas in north Quebec and some parts of Nunavut are under a blizzard warning, which includes gusty winds up to 90 kilometers per hour, and blowing snow reducing visibility.

On the east coast, areas of Nova Scotia are under a wind warning, with Environment Canada saying there is a risk to buildings and individuals who are outdoors.

“Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage,” the warning says.

Staying Safe in the Cold

Environment Canada advises people in areas where there is an extreme cold warning to be careful when they are outdoors.

“Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter,” the website notes.

“Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and color change in fingers and toes.”

Environment Canada advises anyone heading outside to dress warmly, in layers, with an outer layer that is wind resistant.

“Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill,” the website said. “Watch for color changes on fingers and toes, pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, or swelling. If present, move indoors and begin warming.”

They also advise to keep moving to maintain body heat and to take shelter from the wind.