Arctic air causes extreme cold in Sask., but the end is in sight
Air from the Arctic has prolonged the extreme cold in Saskatchewan and experts say the frigid air will stick around a little while longer.
While most of the country is experiencing colder temperatures, Saskatchewan residents must expect conditions to remain mostly the same until Jan. 10.
“So currently we are under extreme cold warnings right across Saskatchewan and actually across a large swath of the country,” said Bradlyn Oakes, meteorologist for CTV News. “We do have a low-pressure system skirting along the U.S. border and that’s going to bring something called ‘warm air induction.’”
Warm air induction will bring a temporary reprieve from the punishing temperatures but will also bring snow.
“In Regina, we can expect five to seven centimeters of snow and then the cold air is back for the weekend,” said Oakes.
The extreme cold is not helping the work of the Regina Fire department. Deputy Chief Neil Sundeen explained that the already strenuous work done by the department is made evermore complicated but challenging weather conditions.
“We’ve had difficulty with keeping equipment running, whether it be pumps, or hoses or fire hydrants,” he said. “Cold weather just does not do well with heavy diesel equipment.”
He said the more important challenge is the risk to personnel, as they work with water in sub artic conditions.
“I would suggest that almost every sub artic temperature fire we have, somebody will get frostbite,” he said.
“If you can imagine, getting a wet glove, putting in your deep freeze for a couple hours, and putting it on and trying to grab something. Whether it be a tool or a latter rung it really does create a safety issue for all of our personnel on scene.”
Regardless of the recent cold snap, some residents took advantage of the sunshine and minimal winds to get out for some fresh air and exercise.
“I just had my hip replaced about two months ago, so this is my second lap around the lake,” said a Regina resident walking in Wascana Park. “The weather could probably be a little bit better but it’s not windy, if you dress up properly and you’re probably going to be just fine.”
He said he would need to warm up after his five-kilometer-long excursion.
“I’m parked up near pine island, so that’s probably another kilometer or so,” he said. “Then I’m going to need a hot cup of coffee.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.