Motorists are advised to keep a survival kit with blankets and candles. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

weather update

Ridge of Arctic air moving through La Ronge

Feb 4, 2021 | 4:41 PM

A ridge of Arctic air will push the temperature to -33 Celsius by Sunday.

Climate Change and Environment Canada Meteorologist Sara Hoffman explained a low-pressure system moving through Saskatchewan has already brought snow, but the ridge of Arctic air following it is going to bring a sharp drop in temperature.

“It’s building and it’s getting stronger and it’s pulling more and more cold air from the North,” she said. “It’s already cooling temperatures. We’re expecting very cold temperatures tonight, but we’re expecting the coldest temperatures to be here by Sunday across the Prairies.”

Tonight in La Ronge there is a 60 per cent chance of flurries with the temperature reaching a low of -28 C. Friday will be mainly sunny with a high of -26 C and a low of -35 C.

The weekend is expected to be very cold with the forecast calling for sun on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will have a high of -31 C and a low of -39 C, while Sunday will have a high of -33 C and a low of -39 C.

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“As cold as it will be tonight, it will get colder and stay cold for the next seven days at least,” Hoffman said. “The Prairies, but especially Saskatchewan and La Ronge, are no stranger to a ridge of Arctic air making its way in.”

For those travelling, Hoffman recommends ensuring motorists have a survival kit in their vehicle with items such as blankets, candles and snacks. If someone becomes stranded, she advises residents to stay with the vehicle until help arrives. Under no circumstances should someone leave the vehicle to walk home or find help.

“If anyone has any outdoor activities planned, make sure to bundle up and try to limit the amount of skin exposed to the cold,” she said. “Frostbite can happen in a matter of minutes at temperatures this cold.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno