If you thought winter was over, you were very wrong! The coldest place on Earth right now is Saskatchewan, where temperatures would make even the most seasoned winter warriors tremble.
Real-time temperatures from different areas around Saskatchewan are displayed in the picture below, and it’s not nice. We’re talking about temperatures falling below -40°C, with wind chills in some locations reaching bone-chilling -51°C. For comparison, in some places it’s colder than Antarctica!
How chilly is it?
A sample of some of the extremely high temperatures that were noted is shown here:
- Prince Albert: ice crystals and -41°C (-42°F)
- Meadow Lake: feeling like -51°C (-59°F), with a temperature of -40°C (-40°F).
- Moose Jaw Air Vice Marshal C: -40°C (-40°F), with the wind chill causing it to plunge to -48°C (-54°F).
- Cook, Minnesota (yep, there is suffering even south of the border!): Feeling as though it is -49°C (-57°F), -40°C (-40°F)
What Does This Signify for the People of Saskatchewan?
You probably know that severe cold warnings are not new if you live in Saskatchewan. However, frostbite can develop in just a few minutes at these low temperatures. Here are a few brief tips to help you survive this extreme cold:
- Put on layers! It is crucial to wear several layers of clothing, such as facial covers, mitts, thermal apparel, and toques.
- Don’t spend too much time outside. Don’t go outside if you don’t have to. Under these circumstances, even a short travel could be hazardous.
- Stock your vehicle’s emergency kit. You’ll need blankets, extra food, and a charged phone in case your car breaks down in this chilly weather.
- Check on other people. Reach out to make sure the elderly and vulnerable are warm and safe during periods of extreme cold, as they are more vulnerable.
How Come It’s So Cold?
Although chilly winters are common in Saskatchewan, this particular cold spell is unusual. Record-breaking low temperatures have been brought to the Prairies by a powerful Arctic air mass. This is a full-blown deep freeze, not just a typical cold spell.
What Is the Difference Between This and the Coldest Locations on Earth?
Saskatchewan is currently vying with regions like Antarctica and Siberia to be the world’s coldest spot. The distinction is that those locations are anticipated to be frigid. We like to think of ourselves as hardy here in Saskatchewan, but -50°C with wind chill? That’s the next level.