Warm temperatures could lead to slick road conditions: Environment Canada (file photo/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Warm Weather

Warm temperatures could lead to slick road conditions: Environment Canada

Jan 4, 2021 | 3:23 PM

People may have noticed they don’t need to go far if they want to find warm weather this winter.

The trend of warm temperatures seen over the last few days is set to continue for the next week and a half, according to meteorologists. Terri Lang from Environment and Climate Change Canada said the string of mild weather resulted in December temperatures coming in well above average for this time of year. Those warm temperatures have carried over into the new year.

“For this time of year, the averages for day-time highs run around -13 C, and overnight runs around -23 C. Those are the 30-year averages, but we know the temperatures can run in the high single digits,” Lang said.

“The record temperature for today is 7 C, but can also be as cold as -42 C. We know what the range is, and that’s a range of almost 50 [degrees]. Over the past few years, we know that range can be there.”

Lang stated this is caused by the positioning of the jet stream, a divider that separates the cold air coming in from the north and the warmer air coming in from down south.

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“The way the jet stream is, we are to the southern part of the province and it doesn’t look like this pattern will break down,” Lang said. “This kind of goes against what the forecast was for the La Niña winter.”

A La Niña period is when the sea surface temperature across the eastern equatorial part of the central Pacific Ocean will be lower than normal by three to five degrees for around five months. During this period, winters tend to be colder and wetter than average. While the cold and wet has been scarce this winter, Lang mentioned weather systems and conditions are constantly changing, and the expected conditions could return later in the season.

“Usually what I think with this pattern is it’s an extended period of mild conditions, sometimes in January, we get a few days here and there, but this has really been an extended period.”

Throughout the week, Meadow Lake residents will observe mostly sunny weather with temperatures ranging from a high of 1 degree above zero and nighttime lows of -13.

People living in North Battleford will experience temperatures ranging from a daytime high of 2 C and nighttime lows of -12 C.

Both areas could see some mild snow on Tuesday.

While the weather is expected to remain on the warmer side for the time being, Lang warns a weather system could pass through the area and deliver some mild snow and moisture to the area.

Meadow Lake Fire Chief Neil Marsh advised motorists to tread with caution as the changes between warm and cool temperatures could lead to slick roads and less than ideal conditions.

“Drivers should be mindful of the road conditions and at any time in the winter expect that there will be icy patches. Keeping speeds down is important and keeping the tires in good condition,” Marsh said. “Conditions are always changing, and even on a sunny day like this, drivers should expect that there will be icy patches and drive with caution.”

Motorists interested in finding more information regarding road conditions can discover more details using the Highway Hotline.

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Elliott.Knopp@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp