Extreme cold temperatures have returned in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Joan Olson

another northern blast

Near record cold blast across our region

Feb 8, 2021 | 12:23 PM

For the second time this calendar year, the temperature has dipped dangerously low prompting Environment Canada to issue extreme cold warnings and challenging all-time records. This time the extreme cold has blanketed the entire province and much of the West.

Prince Albert, for example, faced forecast temperatures around -53 C earlier Monday morning when including the wind chill, while Melfort was forecast to dip to the high minus 40s with the wind chill.

The closest Prince Albert came to breaking a record was Sunday morning when temperatures dipped to -43.3 C compared to -44.2 C in 1949. According to the Environment Canada website, Buffalo Narrows broke a record from 1962 with temperatures reaching -46.4 C Sunday February 7, previously recorded at -40 C, and Key Lake’s new record now sits at -48.7 C, previously recorded as -46.5 C set in 2019.

Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment Canada said all of Western Canada is being affected by this dome of arctic air and will continue into the near future.

“The extreme cold is expected to continue in some shape or form throughout the week and through the weekend as well,” she said.

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The frigid air can cause frostbite in minutes with longer exposures causing hypothermia.

Lyle Karasiuk from Parkland Ambulance said don’t venture out if you don’t have to.

“If you have the ability to work from home, find someone else to do some errands for you, do stay indoors,” he said.

Paramedics find themselves having to respond to emergencies in this bitterly cold weather and are doing their best to keep their teams and the public safe and as warm as possible.

Karasiuk said this past weekend paramedics were busy in Prince Albert and responded to six cases of cold or hypothermia. He urges people to keep an eye out for those who might be at a disadvantage and particularly vulnerable. If you do notice someone outside in the elements, you’re encouraged to stop and assist them but only if it is safe to do so. If safety is a concern, Karasiuk offers the best option.

“The easiest way is to call either our ambulance service directly or to 911 whichever is your most efficient in getting our emergency service involved. Whether that’s our paramedics or police agencies.”

He said emergency crews will be certain to find the most vulnerable a warm shelter, keeping them safe from further harm.

—

joan.olson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow