Update( Dec. 12, 4 p.m.): REGINA — Saskatchewan remains under an extreme cold advisory as wind chill values of –40C or lower continue to spread east across the Prairies, Environment Canada said in an update Friday afternoon.
The agency issued its latest advisory at 3:51 p.m. on Dec. 12, warning that very cold temperatures and life-threatening wind chills will persist into the weekend. Conditions are expected to improve slowly from west to east before a significant warmup arrives early next week.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” the advisory stated.
The advisory covers 246 regions across Saskatchewan, including all Saskatchewan cities except for Swift Current.
SaskToday will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Original report:
SASKATCHEWAN — A combination of heavy snowfall and dangerous wind chills has prompted multiple weather advisories across Saskatchewan on the morning of Dec. 12, according to Environment Canada.
A snowfall advisory is in effect for the Cypress Hills and nearby areas in southwestern Saskatchewan, where 10 to 20 centimetres of snow is expected from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Snowfall rates of three to six centimetres per hour are possible, making travel challenging. Roads and walkways are likely to become difficult to navigate due to quickly accumulating snow.
Environment Canada urges residents in affected areas to prepare for deteriorating conditions and to continue monitoring forecasts. Reports of severe weather can be submitted by emailing SKstorm@ec.gc.ca, calling 1-800-239-0484, or posting updates on X using #SKStorm.
Snowfall advisories in Saskatchewan are issued when 10 cm or more is expected within 12 hours or less, the federal agency notes.
At the same time, cold advisories remain active across large parts of Saskatchewan and Alberta, including major centres such as Regina and Moose Jaw, with wind chill values near –40 continuing Friday morning. While conditions may briefly moderate in some regions this afternoon, the cold is expected to return overnight, with extreme wind chills lingering until Saturday afternoon.
Environment Canada warns that extreme cold puts everyone at risk, and frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin. Residents are advised to dress in layers, ensure outer clothing is wind-resistant and cover all exposed skin. Pets should not be left outdoors in these conditions.
SaskToday will continue monitoring the situation and will have updates.
