Those travelling during the holidays should be mindful for weather conditions. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

frosty conditions

Extended cold spell expected in La Ronge from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day

Dec 21, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Christmas Day in the tri-communities is forecasted to be twice as cold as the average for this time of year.

A weather system is expected to bring cold air into much of Saskatchewan and the Prairies starting Thursday.

Thursday is forecasted to be -22 C during the day with snow and a low of -28 C. Christmas Eve, however, will be colder with a high of -27 C and a low of -34 C, followed by a high of -29 C and a low of -34 C for Christmas.

The daytime high for Christmas Day in La Ronge is around -14 C.

“You’re in for an extended cold spell for the rest of December pretty much after today,” said Environment and Climate Change Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Natalie Hasell. “We are looking at well-below normal temperatures, but La Ronge is not alone, it’s practically all of Saskatchewan and most of the Prairies that will see well below normal starting tomorrow, but especially by the time we get to Christmas Eve and Christmas itself.”

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Hasell recommends residents reduce their time outdoors or monitor themselves and others if having to spend time outside. She said it’s important to be aware of frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia, adding the wind chill can make the temperature seem colder to exposed skin. At -40 C, exposed skin freezes in five to 10 minutes.

With an influx of travel expected for Christmas, Hasell mentioned motorist should check road conditions on the provincial Highway Hotline before heading out.

An emergency kit should also be kept in the vehicle with items such as extra clothes, blankets, tow rope, jumper cables, sand or salt or kitty litter, a small shovel, candle and matches and other essentials for conditions. Motorists should carry a smartphone with them as well.

“Remember that it’s not only temperature we are concerned with. If it is windy, then wind chill becomes a concern,” Hasell said. “In this case, it will just be cold enough no matter what the wind is for conditions to be of concern.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno