The environmental roller coaster that’s characterized this Saskatchewan winter isn’t showing signs of stopping. Another pool of frigid air has descended from the north and parked over central Saskatchewan, once again creating dangerous wind chill values and frigid overnight temperatures. In spite of the days getting longer, the cold winter will have Humboldt and area in its grasp for a few more days. 

Natalie Hasell is a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. She speaks to yet another extreme cold warning that east central Saskatchewqan finds itself under. 

“With the passage of every weather system, we are going to see change. As lows come through, ahead we will typically see a bit of a warm-up. Then with the low and the fronts we have associated to it, we have precipitation, often accompanied by strong winds with bouts of blizzard.” 

Hasell explains that as the low passes, the winds shift heading out of the north along a cold front, and with nothing to stop the cold air, it quickly infiltrates as a heavy dense air mass, the dreaded winter high. The ridge that’s established often pits in for several days, as is the case with this latest batch of frosty air. 

“Daytime temperatures are going to be cold, and as the sun sets, the clear skies and light winds that typically accompany these ridges allow heat from the surface of the planet to escape into space.” 

Those conditions in place are leading to temperatures considerably below the seasonal norm of -6 degrees for a daytime high. Hasell says those temperatures will likely creep back in later in the week, but may not stay long. She expects a wobbling back and forth into the new week with some gradual improvement.

“By the time we get to early next week, we should actually see temperatures warm up again and may even see temperatures above normal for a couple of days. We don’t see much precipitation for the next couple of days. ”

For those who are looking for some longer term relief, maybe even some solar snow removal, Hasell has a sobering reminder. 

“Even though it’s late February, it’s still only February. We can still have winter-like conditions for quite a while still. Don’t give up hope, but also don’t let go of your strongly developed winter habits by now.”