It’s time to plug in your car and put on your parkas, Edmonton, because the first cold snap of the season is in the forecast, and it plans on sticking around for a while.
We reached out to Environment and Climate Change meteorologist James Colangelo, who told us that Arctic air is creeping its way south later this week, creating a shifting weather pattern across the country.
“It does appear that those temperatures will kind of stay here for the foreseeable future,” he said.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
While Edmonton will see near-normal temperatures for the first half of the week, that frigid Arctic air is moving south behind a system currently affecting southern Alberta, which will allow Arctic air to sweep in later this week, dropping daytime highs into the mid-minus teens.
But while temperatures are getting frosty, no snow is in the forecast alongside the Arctic chill.
Colangelo says overnight lows could drop even more into early next week and could reach around -20°C by Monday, while areas north and east of Edmonton may see wind chills in the minus 30s.
He says Edmontonians should pay close attention to forecasts and warnings, bundle up, protect extremities, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
“Extreme cold can be deadly if you’re not prepared for it,” he said, adding that frostbite is a real risk in these temperatures. Those caught outside should find shelter and keep moving to stay warm.
You can view the full list of watches, warnings, and special weather statements on the ECCC weather information portal.
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