No plans for this frigid air to budge as we end January in Canada
Frigid air dominates most of Canada to end January
Arctic air remains entrenched across much of North America as January nears its end. Frigid conditions extend from the eastern Prairies to Atlantic Canada, with a deep trough settling over Ontario and Quebec.
Temperatures are well below seasonal norms this week.
Friday stands out in particular for its cold forecast: Winnipeg will sit near -20°C, Ontario and Quebec in the minus teens, including Toronto at -14°C, possibly its coldest day of the season so far.
Northern Ontario and Quebec will see lows dipping into the -20°C range.
The cold weather brings calmer conditions however, from the Prairies right through to Atlantic Canada during this extended deep freeze.
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There are some signs of a pattern change beginning
The Arctic air currently gripping much of Canada is expected to shift eastward towards the Atlantic Coast, setting the stage for a potential East Coast storm. While forecast models remain uncertain, there is a possibility of a nor’easter impacting parts of the U.S. and Canadian East Coast late this weekend.
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Meanwhile, British Columbia’s wet weather is set to return as mild Pacific air fights back in the west. This shift could help ease the prolonged cold pattern as February begins.
Prevent cold weather emergencies:
According to the Canadian Red Cross, it is important for everyone enjoying the outdoors to know how to recognize when someone has been exposed to cold for too long, prevent cold-related emergencies, and be able to provide help when needed.
Tips for prevention include:
Cover your head and trunk by wearing a hat and layers of tightly woven fabrics such as wool or synthetics.
Cover up exposed areas such as your fingers, cheeks, ears, and nose.
If your clothes get wet when you are in the cold, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Drink plenty of warm fluids to help your body stay warm and hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Eat high calorie food and drinks regularly as the body converts food to energy which heats the body.
Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes as you heat up or cool off.
Bring additional warm clothing when going out for extended periods or in case of emergency.
Don’t wear tight fitting clothing or footwear that may impair circulation.
Seek shelter from the wind if you are getting cold, even if it is only behind a tree, hill, embankment, or other landscape feature.