Polar vortex set to bring dangerously cold weather to the Prairies

Polar vortex set to bring dangerously cold weather to the Prairies
Polar vortex set to bring dangerously cold weather to the Prairies

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Another severe-cold outbreak is on the way for the Prairies this week, courtesy of the polar vortex.

The Arctic air will plunge south across the region with high temperatures in the mid-20s and low temperatures down into the minus-30s. Wind chills will also be extremely cold, making for potentially hazardous conditions.

Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. If it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside.


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Part of the polar vortex will be branching off and diving south across the Prairies on Monday. The origins of this coldest lobe of Arctic air can be traced back to the North Pole. Extreme cold warnings are likely to be issued.

TEMPPATTERN
TEMPPATTERN

Some of the coldest temperatures on the planet have been reported here in Canada recently, thanks to the positioning of the polar vortex. However, this Arctic blast will become more widespread and will be felt by many more Canadians this week.

PRCOLDTUESWINDCHILL
PRCOLDTUESWINDCHILL

Tuesday's forecast temperatures and wind chills could become some of the coldest values that several major cities have seen so far this season.

On Tuesday, Calgary, Alta., is forecast to be -20°C with a wind chill of -29.

The good news is this dangerous cold will be short-lived as it's on the move and not entirely locked into place. By Wednesday, a fast-moving upper ridge from B.C. will drastically warm Alberta by more than 20 degrees and bring an end to the severe cold.

An upslope flow will bring a dusting of snow to western and southern Alberta late Monday through Tuesday.

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Be sure to check The Weather Network for the latest updates on the Prairies.