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
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
Cargo ship had engine maintenance in port before Baltimore bridge collapse, officials say
The cargo ship that lost power and crashed into a bridge in Baltimore underwent 'routine engine maintenance' in port beforehand, the U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday.