Saskatchewan in for variety of weather conditions for upcoming week

Saskatchewan is in for a “roller coaster ride” this week in terms of the weather, according to Environment Canada.

Mild, but windy conditions combined with snowfall will dominate prairie weather until Wednesday, followed by frigid temperatures into the weekend, according to meteorologist Mike Russo.

“A couple disturbances will be moving through the area (earlier in the week). Those disturbances generally giving us a bit of snow off and on Monday and Wednesday, but after that second disturbance passes through on Wednesday, we are going to be getting into somewhat of a changing weather pattern,” Russo said. “Temperatures dropping to below average for this time of year (Thursday).”

Seasonal temperatures in Saskatoon and central Saskatchewan for this time of year sit around -10 C to -20 C, with Regina and southern Saskatchewan at -11 C to -23 C.

Russo said Thursday, temperatures will likely drop to below-seasonal averages as we look towards the future.

“As it stands right now, some of the longer-range models are kinda hinting at the colder weather essentially staying around, at least, until the middle of January.”

Russo reminded that with the colder temperatures comes some preparation after this mild start to winter in Saskatchewan.

“It is January, people on the prairies are accustomed to this type of weather. Just be prepared, and get dressed properly,” he said.

Plenty people enjoying weekend of warm temperatures

Crowds filled Optimist Hill in Saskatoon on Saturday to enjoy the last few days of warm weather before the cold snap.

It’s the first Canadian winter for newcomers Richa and Abi Bhardwaj after arriving in Saskatoon nine months ago.

They were happy to get out and enjoy the weather before hibernating.

“I’m kind of terrified,” Richa said with a chuckle.

“She’s not a winter person, so she’s a bit nervous,” Abi explained quickly.

Richa admitted adjusting to the extreme cold temperatures will be a challenge, but said that’s not the worst part of Canadian winters.

“I think cold is not a problem when you are in enough winter clothes and everything,” she said. “The thing that bothers me is darkness. I feel like I’m going to the office and it’s dark and then I leave and it’s dark.”

Tom Willms is in charge of making all the snow and grooming the trails at Optimist Hill. He’s accepting the end of the warm weather vacation as well.

“In the ski business, the snow is a little easier to work with in the -10 C to -15 C,” he said. “Of course it’s nicer walking around outside, but being in Saskatchewan we’re ready for a little cold weather.”

“I’m not excited, but whatever, it’s winter. We’ll just have to wear some winter clothes for a change instead of no mitts and no ski pants.”