Watch above: First came the snow and then came the cold. Temperatures plummeted on Saturday, but that didn’t keep Edmontonians indoors.
EDMONTON — Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for much of the province Saturday.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill created an elevated risk to health, such as frost bite and hypothermia, according to Environment Canada.
The warning was in place Saturday for all of northern Alberta and much of central Alberta.
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The weather authority warns anyone heading outside Saturday to dress appropriately, recommending synthetic and wool fabric for better insulation. Sunglasses and face masks are recommended for those participating in winter activities.
“A period of very cold wind chills will continue before moderating as daytime temperatures rise this afternoon,” Environment Canada’s website read Saturday. “However, extreme cold conditions for many regions will likely return tonight as temperatures plummet once again.
Edmonton police said Saturday they responded to 149 collisions between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Six of those were injury collisions, 27 were hit-and-runs and 116 involved property damage.
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In the Capital Region Saturday, Global Edmonton weather specialist Kevin O’Connell expected a high of -21°C. But with winds out of the north at 15 km/h, it felt more like -40°C.
“Cold. Cold, cold, cold,” O’Connell said Saturday morning. “As we get through the next day or two, nice and clear skies, but still that Arctic air.”
The frigid temperatures are especially harsh on those who live on the streets. Anyone who sees a homeless person in distress is urged to call 211.
The high for Sunday is expected to reach -14°C, with temperatures climbing to the positive side of zero by next weekend, O’Connell said.
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