City of Edmonton activates extreme weather response as frigid temperatures hit
Temperatures set to dip as low as around -30 C
The City of Edmonton activated its extreme weather response on Monday to help protect vulnerable people from some very cold weather that is expected to settle in this week.
As of Monday night, Environment and Climate Change Canada's website said nighttime temperatures are forecast to dip to almost -30 C on Friday, with the daytime high expected to reach just -24 C that day.
The city's extreme weather response is activated when temperatures fall to -20 C — or lower — for at least three days in a row.
As part of its response, the city will open up its public facilities, such as recreation centres and libraries, to anyone in need of a warm place to stay.
Al Rashid Mosque is also expanding its services, opening an overnight shelter that can offer up to 50 spaces every night.
Organizations like Hope Mission offer services like outreach programs, daytime shelter spaces and shuttle vans to people experiencing homelessness.
Kevin Wiebe, donor relations manager for Hope Mission, said he’s seeing more and more people in need of the organization's services every year.
He said around 1,100 people were staying at Hope Mission shelters every day this weekend.
"Last year, we didn't hit these kinds of numbers until temperatures were quite a bit colder,” Wiebe said.
“So seeing these kinds of numbers earlier in the year, when the temperatures haven't gone to the really extremes … is a little concerning."
Wiebe said when it gets very cold, Edmontonians should keep an eye out for vulnerable people who may be in danger because of the weather conditions.
He recommended calling 211 if Edmontonians suspect someone is in need of help.
Chilly temperatures are expected to last into next week.
The city said officials will provide an update on the extreme weather response on Dec. 19.
A closer look at the forecast below:
This article was originally published for CBC News.