Bone-chilling temperatures are descending on St. Albert this weekend, the kind of frigid cold that freezes exposed skin in minutes.
“There’s an Arctic ridge of high pressure moving from the North West Territories and positioning itself in Alberta. Temperatures can go down as low as minus 35 as it spreads across the Edmonton region,” said Kyle Fougère, a meteorologist for Environment Canada.
This heavy, thick ridge of cold air is typical during the months of February and March.
“December and January (temperatures) were above normal. It’s unusual. We didn’t set any records. So this cold air is coming as a shock to people,” Fougère said.
Following a mild January, temperatures across the province began to drop with a storm front Monday that brought snowfall and colder weather.
Saturday is expected to reach a high of -23 C and a low of -32 C. Sunday will be slightly colder with temperatures reaching -26 C during the day and dipping to -33 C at night.
“Temperatures from the Northwest Territories are already advancing. We’re already starting to see -35 C in Alberta in places like High Level and Fort Chipewyan," Fougère explained.
On Friday afternoon, St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron posted a list of resources to her Facebook page. She wrote that the city has activated its cold weather response to help residents who are living rough or homeless.
The ridge of high-pressure air originated near Siberia and/or the North Pole, and is expect to keep the entire province in a deep freeze for about 10 days.
“When we get cold Arctic air, it’s hard to displace. Warm air is lighter and this air is cold and very dense, so warm air just moves around it. Plan for cold weather for all of next week.”
Fougère has a word of caution for travelers.
“Postpone travel plans as much as possible. If you can’t postpone plans, take an emergency kit with blankets, a candle and warm clothing. And it’s important to stay inside the vehicle and call for help.”
As for your trusty vehicle?
“These temperatures aren’t wind chill. The air temperature will affect your vehicle, so plug it in. And pets feel the cold as much as we do, so limit the amount of time outside," he advised.
“As of yet, we have not put out an extreme cold weather warning, but there likely will be one in a day or so. Pay attention and plan accordingly.”
