Frigid temperatures blanket Alberta, triggering extreme cold warnings

After a decidedly icy weekend, Albertans are waking up to another frigid morning with extreme cold warnings in place across much of Alberta. 

Extremely cold wind chill values near –40 are expected or occurring in nearly every corner the province. 

Environment Canada is warning against the risk of frostbite and exposure as the region remains in the grips of a prolonged cold snap.

The frigid temperatures will likely continue for parts of Alberta until the middle of the week.

Cold spots

In Edmonton, temperatures overnight Monday lingered around –30 C with a wind chill of –40. 

As of Monday morning, the warmest weather station in the province was the Calgary International Airport at around –23 C.  The coldest spot was the northwestern hamlet of Teepee Creek at –42.3 C

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, officials with Environment Canada cautioned in weather advisories. Frostbite can develop within minutes.

Albertans are urged to monitor for cold-related symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

A string of rural school bus routes were cancelled Monday and some drivers were waiting up to 15 hours for a battery boost as the demand for roadside assistance surged. 

The City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response in an effort to help keep vulnerable Edmontonians safe during the days ahead.

City facilities such as recreation centres and libraries will be available for anyone seeking shelter from the extreme cold. 

The city response started on Friday and is expected to end on Feb. 15.