Extreme cold warnings issued for parts of Saskatchewan

The bitter cold has returned to Saskatchewan.

Extreme cold warnings were issued Tuesday morning by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for central and northern areas of Saskatchewan.

Although extreme cold warnings have not yet been issued for Regina and Saskatoon, Environment Canada meteorologist Eric Dykes says he expects existing ones to be expanded later Tuesday to include both cities.

“It’s going to be a little bit colder … for a longer period of time around Saskatoon. In the forecast, we’re looking at lows around … -32 (or) 33 … With 15 kilometre-per-hour winds or so, we are looking at wind chill values that will be in and around -40 (or) -42,” Dykes said.

Dykes said he believes there’s going to be a bit of a reprieve in the temperatures near the Regina area, adding Saskatoon will stay bitterly cold for the next few nights before seeing temperatures rise closer to the weekend.

Meanwhile, southwest Saskatchewan — including Shaunavon, Maple Creek and Cypress Hills — was under a winter storm warning, with snow and blowing snow causing hazardous winter conditions.

The weather agency said conditions will improve gradually during the day. The cold snap is expected to be short-lived with the return of near-normal daytime temperatures on the weekend.