An Arctic cold front sweeping across North America has brought intense cold temperatures to Western Canada, as reported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The frigid conditions are particularly affecting the Prairies, with areas of northwestern Ontario, Nunavut, and most of Saskatchewan and Manitoba currently under orange warnings. Manitoba is experiencing wind chill values ranging from -45 to -50 degrees Celsius until Monday, as indicated by the government agency.
The ECCC warning emphasizes the rapid onset of frostbite on exposed skin, especially in windy conditions, urging individuals to keep emergency supplies like extra blankets and jumper cables in their vehicles. Northwestern Alberta is facing wind chill values between -40 and -50 degrees Celsius, while northwestern Ontario anticipates a prolonged period of extremely cold wind chills.
ECCC recommends that outdoor workers take regular breaks to warm up during these extreme conditions. Layered clothing that can be adjusted for fluctuating temperatures and wind-resistant outer layers are advised for protection. Meteorologist Natalie Hasell from ECCC noted that although this weather event is not expected to set temperature records, the severity of the cold has made the polar vortex notably impactful in southern and central Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Hasell explained that the polar vortex, centered over Quebec, is sending a continuous flow of cold air southward towards the Prairies due to the absence of geographical barriers hindering its progress. ECCC has also issued yellow-level snow squall warnings in parts of Quebec, including Montreal, and in northern and southwestern Ontario.
