Winter temperatures returning to Saskatchewan will result in slick road conditions for drivers and an adjustment when outdoors. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Winter's Back

Saskatchewan winter temperatures expected to drop this weekend

Jan 22, 2021 | 5:56 PM

Saskatchewan motorists have plenty of reason to slow down in the past few weeks of winter conditions and a new temperature change should bring about more caution.

After weeks of largely running days at several degrees above seasonal averages, northwest and north central Saskatchewan will see temperatures plummet into the -20 C’s this weekend after light snowfall throughout Friday. Terri Laing, meteorologist with Environment Canada, said it’s a large pattern change, with significant cold air coming into the region. While there isn’t a large accumulation of snow expected, there should be enough to make roads quite slick, as Highway Hotline is reporting winter conditions on every major highway.

“Just enough to grease up streets and highways a little bit,” Laing said. “We’re not expecting any really big winds either, so not expecting blowing snow to be a problem, but still slippery.”

Laing said this is isn’t surprising as anytime there’s snow with dropping temperatures, there’s risk of poor road conditions, even when highways have been treated by road crews.

“Eventually it will disappear, but in that transition between snow and colder dryer air, it can be a real issues on streets and highways,” she said.

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North Battleford is forecast to have an overnight low of -30 C on Saturday, followed by several days of at least -20 C. Prince Albert is expected to receive periods of light until Saturday evening, where there will also be a sudden drop to temperatures as cold as, or below, -30 C. Meadow Lake should also receive periods of snow through to Saturday evening, with a predicted high of -21 C.

In addition to the road conditions, residents will also have to adjust to when they are outside in the cold. Laing said this year’s unusually warm temperatures have changed the way everyone adjusts to winter weather and this weekend will represent a sharp contrast.

“We haven’t had to really bundle up because it’s been so mild,” she said. “The reason we can tolerate Saskatchewan winters is because we get eased into to it over a number of days and get acclimatized to it, but we haven’t had that so far.”

“[It’s] a really big change and we’re probably going to get into that dangerous category with respect to wind chills, where frost bite can occur quite rapidly.”

Because it will be such a shock to the system, Laing recommended that everyone get their attire adjusted.

“Remember to dress appropriately because it will feel quite cold, and keep your kids and pets in mind as well,” she said.

For those about to travel, it’s important to remember checking Highway Hotline before taking off, in case conditions change or differ in other areas. Laing added everyone should have an emergency kit in the vehicle, in case of a situation where you’re stranded for a period of time.

“When temperatures are this cold and something were to happen to your car on the highway, you want to be prepared for anything.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports