Christmas last year was highlighted by blizzard conditions. This year warnings are possible as well, but this time for the extreme cold.
Boxing Day 2016 brought one of the biggest winter storms of the season, hindering travel through the holidays.
Through the week leading up to Christmas 2017, the warm air across the prairies will be pushed out by a cold air mass. Wednesday through Friday, temperatures will slide closer to normal with overnight temperatures near -20 degrees Celsius and day time highs close to normal or just below.
The coldest temperatures are expected to arrive closer to Christmas with an arctic air mass moving in, causing temperatures to drop even further. Overnight temperatures will approach -30 Celsius and with just light winds, wind chill values will be near -40.
Extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when wind chill values are expected to reach -40 for two hours or more.
Travel this year will be less impacted by snow and wind. Small amounts of snow are expected leading into the holiday and winds will be relatively tame so blowing snow and limited visibility will not be an issue for travellers around Christmas this year.