Coldest air in decades sweeps across the Prairies before return to warmth
Extreme cold warnings span much of Western Canada as wind chills in the -50s dominate across the Prairies
It's not a classic Canadian winter if we don't see Arctic air surge out of the north, enveloping the country in periods of extreme cold. This winter has proven to be a classic as Arctic air has seeped south, enveloping Western Canada in its icy grip.
The polar air, which extends across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba will bring plunging temperatures to the region for an extended amount of time.
RELATED: When is the cold too cold? How extreme cold warnings are issued
Be sure to wear layers of dry clothes made from tightly woven fabrics, such as wool, and consume warm drinks and plenty of calorie-rich food if you are planning on spending time outdoors. If your clothes do happen to get wet, head indoors and change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Frostbite can happen within minutes of having bare skin exposed to the extreme cold, resulting in severe, long-lasting damage to your body. Spending too long outdoors in the cold can also lead to hypothermia, a life-threatening condition.
Read this article by the Canadian Red Cross on everything you need to know about how to keep yourself and others safe from the extreme cold.
Icy low continues to grip parts of the Prairies
Extreme cold warnings are in effect for most of Alberta and Saskatchewan, extending into southwestern Manitoba.
Over the weekend, temperatures fell to -50s in the northern parts of the Prairie provinces, while those in the southern portions saw temperatures drop below -50 with the wind chill.
The lobe of polar air will continue across the Prairies for much of the week. Temperatures will remain more than 20 degrees below normal for a majority of the region on Monday. Saskatoon will see temperatures of -46°C with the wind chill. Those in Manitoba, specifically Brandon, will see the most frigid temperatures, with a wind chill of -51°C throughout Monday.
In Saskatchewan, Tuesday will likely be the coldest day, with some regions potentially seeing their coldest daytime high temperatures this century. Those in the south, including Regina could see temperatures start in the -40s during the morning, and only marginally increase to a chilly -33°C daytime high.
Heading into mid-week, the pattern responsible for the cold spell over the Prairies is finally breaking down. A blocking pattern off the coast of B.C. is decaying and allowing the return of onshore Pacific flow, finally allowing for the retutn of warmth. Warmer air will start to flow into Alberta and gradually make its way into Manitoba.
Temperatures will luckily break the freezing mark by the weekend, with the potential to reach double digits in southern Alberta.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across the Prairies.