Saskatchewan is bracing for severe winter weather, with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issuing both an extreme cold warning and a blowing snow advisory for west central Saskatchewan as of Saturday, February 1, 2025. The warnings, which have stirred concern among residents, herald the arrival of dangerously cold wind chills over the next few days, predicted to plummet to -40 degrees Celsius or even lower at times.
According to ECCC, overnight low temperatures are expected to dip near -30°C. When combined with northwesterly winds of 10 to 15 km/h, this creates extreme wind chill values between -40 and -45, potentially enduring for several days. Residents are warned to prepare for these perilous conditions, which are not only uncomfortable but pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Extreme cold can lead to severe health complications, with symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, and muscle weakness. Frostbite, especially on exposed skin, can develop within mere minutes, and residents must take precautions seriously. ECCC advises everyone to dress warmly, cover exposed skin, and minimize outdoor exposure during these harsh weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the blowing snow advisory went live at 7:22 p.m. CST, as falling snow coupled with gusting winds exceeding 60 km/h creates hazardous travel conditions. Visibility is significantly compromised, particularly near the Manitoba border, where near-zero visibility is expected well through early Sunday morning. Travelers are urged to reconsider any plans to venture out, as these conditions can lead to significant accidents and disruptions.
Highway conditions are increasingly concerning as travel advisories continue to pile up. According to reports, travel is officially not recommended on several southwest Saskatchewan highways due to the adverse weather conditions. Highways affected include Highway 13 from Admiral to Highway 37, Highway 343 from Simmie to Highway 4, Highway 43 from Vanguard to Highway 4, Highway 379 from McMahon to Highway 4, Highway 363 from Neipath to Highway 4, and Highway 4 from Swift Current to Cadillac.
Travel on Highway 21 from Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park to Highway 13 and Highway 37 from Gull Lake to Shaunavon is also discouraged due to similar poor driving conditions. Swift Current Online reports indicate poor visibility on Highway 4 south of Swift Current, which adds to the worries for those planning to travel.
Given the already challenging situation, gathering the latest weather information and staying updated with any travel advisories is of utmost importance. ECCC encourages residents to monitor alerts and forecasts diligently. Severe weather reports can be submitted to [email protected] or shared on social media using the hashtag #SKStorm, helping to keep the community informed and safe.
While many residents have encountered winter conditions before, this level of extreme cold and blowing snow requires heightened awareness and caution. Drivers are reminded to take appropriate safety measures, such as turning on headlights, reducing speed, and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles if they must travel.
Pet owners are also admonished not to leave animals outside during these dangerously cold conditions, as frostbite can be just as harmful to pets as to humans. Outdoor workers are advised to take frequent breaks to warm up, ensuring their safety as they contend with the weather.
Conditions are expected to moderate by mid-week, offering some relief from this harsh winter spell. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan residents are encouraged to remain resilient as they bundle up against eye-watering temperatures and navigate challenging roads. It’s about enduring these trials together and ensuring everyone's safety until the weather improves.