A brutal Arctic freeze has gripped Canada, stretching from Alberta to Newfoundland and Labrador, and promising a weekend of dangerously low temperatures. The wind chill isn't just cold; it's a penetrating, bone-chilling force, expected to plummet to between -30C and -55C across the nation.
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northern Ontario are bracing for the worst, facing a rare orange warning from Environment Canada. This isn’t a typical cold snap; it’s a prolonged, multi-day siege of extreme cold that will last through the weekend, testing the limits of resilience.
Northern Saskatchewan is ground zero for the Arctic blast, where wind chill values will plunge to a staggering -45C to -55C Friday night and Saturday morning. Northern Manitoba won’t fare much better, anticipating wind chills in the -45C to -50C range throughout the weekend.
While daytime hours may offer a slight reprieve, the relief will be temporary. Each night for the foreseeable future, temperatures are forecast to plummet again, dropping below -45C and creating a relentless cycle of frigid conditions.
The impact is already being felt. Schools in Regina and parts of Manitoba have closed their doors, and buses and field trips have been cancelled, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. The cold is forcing communities to adapt and protect their most vulnerable.
Regina officials are proactively deploying a warming bus, circulating between shelters to provide refuge for those seeking escape from the extreme cold until Monday. This vital service offers a lifeline during a period of heightened risk.
Even areas previously spared the worst are now in the crosshairs. Eastern Alberta is under a yellow warning, with wind chill values potentially reaching -40C tonight. The deep freeze is relentlessly expanding its reach.
Ontario is also succumbing to the icy grip, with wind chill values ranging from -35C to -45C expected to set in Friday night and persist through Sunday morning. The province is bracing for a prolonged period of intense cold.
Adding to the challenges, the Greater Toronto Area is under a winter storm warning, anticipating a significant snowfall of 20 to 30 centimetres on Sunday. This combination of extreme cold and heavy snow creates a dangerous and potentially paralyzing situation.
Visibility in the Toronto area could be reduced to near zero at times due to blowing snow and powerful winds gusting up to 50 km/h. The city is mobilizing extra outreach teams, urging people to seek shelter indoors and avoid unnecessary risks.
New Brunswick will feel the full force of the Arctic air well into the weekend, with wind chills between -30C and -39C expected from Saturday morning through Sunday morning. The northwestern parts of the province will experience the most severe conditions.
Authorities are urgently advising residents in all affected regions to prioritize warmth. This means dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and taking every precaution to prevent frostbite. Survival depends on preparation and awareness.
