Extreme cold for southern Sask. expected to last into Thursday morning

People in Regina and southern Saskatchewan woke up in a deep freeze Wednesday morning.

An extreme cold warning was issued for all of southern Saskatchewan, but Environment Canada said the mercury shouldn’t dip any further.

“The temperatures this morning are probably bottomed out now at about -33 C, -34 C in the Regina area,” Meteorologist Brian Bukoski explained. “We’re looking for temperatures to moderate somewhat – about -21 C – later on this afternoon.” 

The wind is making conditions worse, with wind chill values of -40 C to -45 C, according to Bukoski.

“The wind chills will be in the -38 C range this afternoon so we’re sort of expecting the extreme cold warning to be taken off the board later this morning and more than likely reissued later this afternoon for tonight and into Thursday morning.”

Bukoski said the wind chill should improve Thursday evening, as a low pressure system bring cloud and a bit of warmer air. He said he expects temperatures in the -8 C range.

“There is some relief coming, but there is some light snow associated with it, as well. You can’t have one without the other.”

Environment Canada wants people to be aware of the extreme cold and to dress appropriately and cover up.