Brace yourself for another cold snap in Calgary

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The weekend is nearly here but there is a downside to that.

Temperatures are expected to plummet in the coming days, dipping to minus 30 or below with the windchill.

Meteorologist Michael Kuss said the cold weather will also come with some snow starting Friday.

“Light snow is falling, especially across the north and northeastern parts of the city. That wave will continue dropping to the southwest into the afternoon. It’s already cold out there but it will get even chillier. Down to minus 20, feeling minus 30 through the late afternoon.”

Kuss is calling for highs of minus 20 and minus 22 on Saturday and Sunday respectively with windchills as low as minus 33, bringing with it the risk of frostbite.

We’re often most concerned about the pointy parts on the body, namely the fingers and toes,” said Stuart Brideaux with Alberta EMS. “Along with that, tips of the earlobes, tip of the nose and the high points on the cheek can all be very susceptible to frostbite.”

Brideaux added that you should only go out if you need to and dress appropriately.

“Remember to use the layering method where warmer, insulating layers are worn closer to the body with wind and waterproof layers worn externally.”

Some parts of northern Alberta and Saskatchewan are under extreme cold warnings with windchills exceeding minus 40.

The arctic weather will also mean a busy time for the Alberta Motor Association (AMA).

“Typically a quarter of all roadside assistance calls in the winter are related to no-starts,” said Brandon Klassen with the AMA. “(Because of) not plugging your car in, not making sure you have a battery that’s been tested.”

Klassen said there is a simple step you can take to make sure your vehicle can start.

“Plug in, plug in, plug in. As soon as those temperatures start to dip below 15 degrees Celsius, you’ll want to start plugging your vehicle in. Plugging it in three to four hours before you plan to drive is more than enough.”

The cold snap is expected to last through to the middle of next week as highs are forecasted to hit minus five by Thursday.

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