Arctic air mass system bringing frigid conditions to Saskatchewan

An arctic air mass is sweeping into the province, bringing snow and frigid conditions throughout Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada meteorologist Chris Stammers says the cold could be sticking around for a while.

“The cold is going to be around probably for the foreseeable future right now. (We’re) not really seeing a warm-up in the next week to 10 days at least,” Stammers said. “So it looks like for the foreseeable future we will be kind of in that normal to below-normal temperature range for Saskatchewan.”

Conditions hovering around -20 C are expected in Saskatoon throughout the next week, with the wind chill expected to make it feel much cooler.

In Regina, similar conditions are expected, but up to five centimetres, or two inches, of snow could fall in Regina on Wednesday — something that isn’t expected in Saskatoon.

The heaviest snow with this system is expected to be seen in the far northern portions of the province. The weather agency issued snowfall warnings Wednesday for Key Lake, Collins Bay, Southend and Wollaston Lake with up to 15 to 25 cm.

Frostbite could be a concern with this cold spell, according to Stammers.

“Look for watches or warnings that may be coming due to the cold,” he said. “Certainly pay attention to our forecasts for the next couple days.”