Wind chills prompt extreme cold warning across Alberta
CBC
Nearly the entirety of Alberta is in for a bout of frigid temperatures beginning Saturday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
The agency issued an extreme cold warning early Sunday morning, with windchill values between -40 and -45 expected to continue into mid-week.
Sunday and Monday will bring the worst of the cold in the Calgary area, said Eric Van Lochem, a meteorologist with ECCC.
"As we get toward the end of the week, temperatures are going to moderate quite sharply. So there is definitely an end time to all of this cold weather, at least for the short term," said Van Lochem.
Overnight and early mornings will be the coldest parts of the day, Van Lochem said, with weather warming up slightly during the daytime. But he added that people should remain vigilant at all hours.
"Certainly, when it's sunny like this, it can sometimes be a little little deceiving ... Frostbite can develop very quickly in minutes on any exposed skin, so take precautions," he said.
It's advisable for people to stay indoors if they can, plug in their cars, bring pets inside and bundle up if they do have to go out, said Van Lochem.
Sandra Clarkson, president and CEO of the Calgary Drop-In Centre, said the organization is sheltering between 800 and 900 people each night, a figure that has gone up about 10 per cent over the last year.
"I'm happy to report that we do still have capacity and we would never turn anyone away in weather such as this," said Clarkson.
"We would find space for them … working with our shelter partners to make sure that everybody has the support that they need."
She added the centre is always in need of volunteers to assist with meal service and that donations of winter clothes are welcome.
The chilly weather comes after weeks of mild temperatures caused by chinooks in December and January.
Extreme cold can be dangerous for certain groups such as young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter according to Environment Canada.
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