Temperatures are about 10 C above normal in La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

freeze-thaw cycle

Above normal temperatures forecasted in La Ronge this week

Dec 1, 2020 | 4:58 PM

Residents of La Ronge can expect warmer than normal temperatures this week.

That’s according to Climate Change and Environment Canada Meteorologist Sara Hoffman, who said warm air from the Pacific Ocean is moving through British Columbia, Alberta and into Saskatchewan. She explained sunny skies are on the way with minimal cloud cover, but noted fog patches could also develop.

“The normal daytime high for this time of year is -10 C for La Ronge and an overnight low of -19 C,” Hoffman said. “For today, we’re forecasting a daytime high of 2 C, so we’re 12 C above normal and all the temperatures this week are all well above normal. Most of them are over 10 C above normal for the daytime high.”

Environment Canada is forecasting a daytime high of -1 C on Wednesday. Thursday is expected to reach 3 C, Friday it will be 2 C followed by 1 C on Saturday. Nights are forecasted to be clear until Dec. 6 with lows between -8 C and -3 C.

Hoffman mentioned, however, above normal temperatures in December are not unheard of. For instance, the daytime high record in La Ronge for Dec. 2 is 2.6 C set back in 2011.

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“At this time of year with these temperatures hovering around the 0 C mark and the amount of snow that’s there right now, we worry about freeze-thaw cycles like walkways and highways getting slippery as the temperature rises above 0 C, the snow melts and refreezes overnight,” she said. “That’s something to be considerate of and to take your time whether you’re driving around or walking around.”

That message was reiterated by Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure spokesperson David Horth, who said winter conditions can be extreme in Saskatchewan and to check the Highway Hotline before heading out. He noted its constantly updated with real-time weather data from observations from highway crews.

Horth also warned motorist to be careful when approaching snowplows as he added they are hit by drivers every winter who don’t see them in time. He recommends slowing down to 60 kilometres per hour when passing them on the side of the road or doing so in a safe manner if in operation. Horth said snowplows also pull over every 15 kilometres to allow motorists to pass.

“We expect drivers to drive defensively and take care to make sure they travel according to the conditions,” he said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno