Canada braces for a frigid weekend with temperatures plunging, but experts clarify it’s not a polar vortex situation.
Winnipeg: This weekend, parts of Canada are in for a serious chill. Arctic air is sweeping down, and it’s going to be cold—really cold. Some areas might see temperatures drop by 30 degrees Celsius. If you’re used to 5 degrees, get ready for a shock at –25 degrees.
Experts say this could be the coldest weekend of the season. It’s a big shift from the milder winter we’ve had so far. Wind chills could make it feel like –40 degrees in northern Alberta and around –45 degrees in places like Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Southern Manitoba is already dealing with snowy weather, causing some highway pileups. Hospitals are on alert, too. In Nunavut, it could feel as cold as –58 degrees. Atlantic Canada is expecting heavy snowfall, while British Columbia will see unseasonably cold weather.
Interestingly, this cold snap is being called a polar vortex, but that’s not quite right. Meteorologists explain that the polar vortex is a high-altitude cyclone. What’s happening now is more about a shift in that vortex, allowing cold air to spill down into Canada.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump even had to move his inauguration indoors because of the extreme cold. The weather is expected to hit the U.S. hard, starting in the Rockies and moving east.
These Arctic outbreaks are becoming more common, and some experts link them to climate change. The jet stream is also affected, causing cold air to plunge southward. Environment Canada warns that when wind chill drops below –27 degrees, the risk of frostbite and windburn increases.
Everyone should be cautious, especially young kids, seniors, and those with health issues. And don’t forget about your pets—keep them indoors!
