Extreme cold gripping Saskatchewan this February has led to record-breaking low temperatures across the province, affecting residents' daily lives and challenging those who work outdoors. Both Regina and Saskatoon have been under extreme cold warnings for numerous days, as Arctic air dominates the region, leading to dangerous conditions. Joel Turner, who works at the Kahkewistahaw Gas & Convenience Store, shared his experiences: "Honestly it’s just the wind. If there’s no wind it’s a lot more bearable and tolerable, obviously." Discomfort from the biting cold has been felt province-wide, with communities recording temperatures dropping to astonishing lows.
On February 16, five Saskatchewan communities made history, registering the coldest day ever on record for February 16. This unprecedented chill continued, and by February 17, 19 communities broke cold records during this snap, including the cities of Saskatoon and Regina. The record-setting temperature of -48.8 C was hit at Key Lake, which captured everyone's attention. David Phillips, senior climatologist at Environment Canada, explained the severity of this cold stretch: "There is no competition to all this cold air coming from the north. There are no American systems coming up, and the Pacific systems are kind of dead in the water. The cold air just has its own territory, and you can’t kick it out." This phenomenon has resulted not only in frigid weather but also substantial community impact.
The effects of the cold have been palpable on everyday life as well. Many residents have adopted specific strategies to cope with the intense conditions. Turner shares, "I wear dry wool layers under my jacket, eat high-calorie foods, and head inside for breaks when I can." While the weather has brought challenges, the public spirit seems to be alive; Turner noted unexpected kindness from customers, especially on Valentine’s Day when he received generous tips. It’s heartwarming to see community members supporting each other during such trying times.
Meanwhile, energy companies like SaskPower are maintaining operations, prepared for the worst yet capable of managing the impacts of severe weather. For example, Joel Cherry from SaskPower stated, "Our electrical infrastructure is built to handle extreme weather and extreme temperatures." Notably, the company is even exporting power to the United States, reflecting their operational stability amid turmoil. Precautions are still emphasized, especially by SaskEnergy, which warns about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning during such extreme temperatures.
Residents are invited to keep safety precautions top of mind. With temperatures plunging to -40 C or below over consecutive nights, Medavie Health Services West has cautioned outdoor workers and vulnerable individuals about the risks of frostbite and other cold-related injuries. "Paramedics are responding to calls related to weather emergencies, including slips and falls on ice, exposure-related injuries, and frostbite," they stated. Angel Blair, communications manager for CAA Saskatchewan, noted the significant increase—nearly 49%—in call volumes for roadside assistance compared to the previous February, as people struggle with vehicle starts and maintenance due to frigid conditions.
Despite the winter's grip, there may be relief around the corner. Christy Climenhaga from Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts substantial warming on the horizon. "Looks like some of the warmest air is just south of Saskatoon. You could get around the freezing mark or even a couple of degrees above the freezing mark this weekend." Such forecasts have spurred hope for those weary of relentless cold. Climenhaga reflected on the cold snap, stating, "Saskatchewan’s kind of top of the top with cold temperatures... it’s colder than normal across the prairies."
Forecasts indicate temperatures could begin to shift by the end of the week, possibly hitting the freezing mark by Friday or even warming to mid-single digits early next week. Climenhaga is optimistic, saying, "It’s going to be quite the change, that's for sure. Really flipping from those abnormally cold conditions to warmer than normal conditions." The dramatic shifts on the horizon seem like light at the end of the often bleak tunnel of extreme winter.
For residents, this transition offers hope and relief, indicating the end of this frigid spell. With adjustments and precautions taken during this brutal cold snap, Saskatchewan's communities have shown resilience and strength as they endure one of the coldest Februarys on record.