Chilly weekend in store for central, northern Alberta; extreme cold warnings in place

EDMONTON — Extreme cold warnings were issued by Environment Canada Friday for areas of northeastern Alberta.

An Arctic ridge will bring very cold temperatures and wind chills near -40 overnight and into Saturday for areas of Lac La Biche County, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Wood Buffalo National Park.

“The extreme cold warnings are in place not only for north east Alberta, but for much of Saskatchewan and parts of Manitoba as well. If your travel plans take you east of our city Saturday morning, you can bet that you will be encountering frigid conditions through the weekend,” Margeaux Morin, Global Edmonton weather specialist, said.

There is also a widespread chance of scattered flurries for central and southern Alberta, Morin said.

The overnight low in Edmonton is expected to dip to -24°C, but with the wind will feel more like -35. In Fort McMurray, the overnight low is forecast at -32°C, but with the wind will feel more like -40.

Edmonton hasn’t had an overnight low colder than what’s forecast for Friday night since Jan. 9, 2015, according to Morin.

“Temperatures from within the city of Edmonton tend to be as much as five to eight degrees celsius warmer than in the outlaying areas,” Dan Kulak with Environment Canada said.

Kulak suggests dressing in multiple layers and ensuring you cover as much exposed skin as possible. He also recommends telling family and friends of travel plans and letting them know when you arrive at your destination safely.

With files from Margeaux Morin, Global News.