More frigid prairie weather on the horizon, meteorologist says

Things are about to get a whole lot colder in the prairies.

After a week that saw above-freezing temperatures in many parts of Saskatchewan, some arctic air is blowing into the province, which is expected to make temperatures plummet.

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Dan Fulton, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the province can expect temperatures to drop on Friday night.

“We’re expecting some fairly cold temperatures, looking at lows getting down to the -20s tonight, with wind chill values kind of approaching around -35 C or so by tonight,” said Fulton.

While things will get cold overnight Friday, Fulton said it will be nothing compared to Saturday’s frigid forecast.

“Wind chills will start dropping quite precipitously tonight, and then Saturday we’re looking at wind chills probably around the -40 C mark in Regina. Maybe not quite as bad in Saskatoon, but still fairly cold,” said Fulton.

While it will be pretty cold this weekend, the province shouldn’t have to deal with it for too long. Environment Canada is expecting warmer weather to return by next week, with temperatures fluctuating through the rest of the month.

Fulton said the back and forth in temperatures is because of a mix of arctic air and warm Pacific air.

“Warm air from the Pacific has always been kind of nudging in and bringing things up a little bit, so we haven’t had like what we often have in winters where there’s just a terminal stretch of cold weather,” Fulton said. “It’s being interrupted by these mild spells here and there.”

For those planning to hit the road during this weekend’s cold weather, Fulton said it’s important to make sure the right equipment is available.

“If you’re travelling, it’s a super good idea to have an emergency kit in your car,” he said. “Otherwise, basically just dress for the weather.”