Fort McMurray is entering a cold snap, with Environment Canada forecasting lows into the -40’s without the windchill factoring in over the next couple of nights.
Snow is also in the forecast during this extended cold snap.
Meteorologist Justin Shelley says a mix of snow and extreme cold is rather common in Fort McMurray.
“Typically, when you get into these really cold patterns under this strong arctic ridge of high pressure, you can get this area of some cloud, some light snow develop along with it,” Shelley said. “In a lot of ways, the clouds can actually save you from the coldest temperatures.”
The entire province of Alberta is experiencing extreme cold weather warnings Friday. However, these conditions are expected to continue into next week for Fort McMurray and area.
Shelley says while it can get exceptionally cold this time of year, this will be our first -40 night in a while.
“Last winter, we didn’t experience any -40 lows, but in the winter of 2022, in January and February there were five days which the thermometer hit -40 or below.”
Shelley is advising those who need to work outside for long periods of time during this cold snap should be prepared and dress accordingly.
