After a couple days of above average weather to start the month of February, residents will be feeling a gradual slide into below seasonal temperatures to finish off the week.
Blowing snow and colder temperatures have made their way into southern Saskatchewan on Wednesday, presenting wind gusts of 60 km/h and a risk of frostbite overnight. According to Environment Canada, nighttime lows into the minus thirties are expected to arrive by Saturday and Sunday.
Meteorologist with Environment Canada Terri Lang said on Wednesday that a big ridge of arctic air being pushed into Saskatchewan is the reason for the drop in temperatures.
“We are looking for temperatures to even dip near the -40°C mark in some locations,” explained Lang. “I think all areas of the province have a chance of seeing those temperatures since it’s a very widespread area of cold weather.”
Now that’s a cold front! #brr
Mild temps yesterday across southern SK have been pushed aside by arctic air. Temps are forecast to be over 20 degrees cooler today.
The cooling trend continues into the end of this weekend. Extreme cold alerts are possible by Sat & Sun. #skstorm pic.twitter.com/gDcPMNkLwU
— ECCC Weather Saskatchewan (@ECCCWeatherSK) February 3, 2021
Lang expects extreme cold warnings will start popping up this weekend and early next week across the province.
When asked if this is just a precursor to what’s to come for the rest of the month, she said their models suggest below seasonal temperatures for the coming weeks.
“Our long-range models are forecasting a below average temperature-wise month for February. It’s often a cold month for Saskatchewan.”
Lang said there could be a return to more seasonal values by the middle of next week. But right now, she suggested that people should make preparations for the cold weather now before the weekend including a safety kit in vehicles and dressing in layers.
