Strathmore has been under an extreme cold warning for about a week now and humans and cars alike have been feeling the effects of it.
Extreme Weather Preparedness Meteorologist for Environment Canada, Natalie Hasell, said that Albertans will get a very small break from the chilly weather
“This is an arctic ridge, so we've got really cold air settling down into the prairies. If we look aloft, the flow that we see is directly from the North, so there is nothing to stop that cold air from coming down into the area, but this weekend, we see a low-pressure system developing over the Rockies and that low-pressure system will change the wind flow.”
She explained that the low–pressure system will bring in a warmer wind but it is only here for a good time, not a long time.
“It's within the realm of possibility, but most models are calling for something closer to between -5 - -8 C. Unfortunately, that low-pressure system passes and the wind flow returns to be out of the north, so we'll see much cooler temperatures by Sunday night.”
She said to prepare for a long haul of extreme cold weather in the next coming weeks.
“It's important for people to pay attention to conditions. Dress appropriately, it's something we experience every year but we forget just how dangerous this weather can actually be.”
Tips to survive the cold weather are to keep emergency supplies in your vehicles such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
Hasell also reminds people that if it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside. With many places across Alberta being among the top 15 colder places globally bundling up is a definite necessity. For those who may need to come in out of the cold Strathmore's Overnight Shelter is open and there to help.
Fri, May 3, 10:00 AM
