Extreme cold weather hits Winnipeg

WINNIPEG – The freezing cold winter weather Winnipeggers have been waiting for is finally here.

Saturday morning was -24C and felt like -38 with the wind chill. Winds will be gusting at about 50 km/h throughout the day.

Overnight temperatures could drop to a low of -35C and with extreme wind chill feel like -45, according to Environment Canada.

Winnipeg meteorologist Jay Anderson said this fresh layer of powder will be the only hit of snow we see for a while.

“When we have the cold air over us it tends to keep the weather systems with the snow farther to the south,” said Anderson.

Although many ski hills were closed due to the extreme cold weather warning, many Winnipeggers chose to embrace the fresh snow.

Hikers were out at Fort Whyte Alive on Saturday and the snowshoe club was eager to get out on the trails.

“My favourite, what brings me out today, is going out into the fresh snow the fresh powder and following the deer trails,” said Rachel Kramchynsky.

Due to the cold temperatures, heavy winds and snow drifting, garbage collection will be slower than normal.  The city said crews working will need to take frequent breaks and may need extra time to pull carts out and over the snow in neighbourhoods with manual collection.

The city is currently working on clearing and sanding streets full of snow and ice. Operations began at midnight on Friday.

Only the regular Snow Route Parking effect remains in effect, meaning parking is not allowed between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on streets with “Snow Route” signs.

The weather on Sunday is expected to be similar, with a high of -25C and a wind chill of -45.