Warmer temperatures are coming, bringing with them a risk of melting and freezing on roadways. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Temperatures rising

Warming weather brings risk of frozen roads

Feb 19, 2021 | 9:00 AM

Warmer days on the horizon after weeks of frigid weather in Saskatchewan.

Temperatures are expected to rise to single digits by Friday afternoon and above zero on Sunday, a sharp change from one of the coldest extended periods in years. The Battlefords are forecasted to have highs of 3 C both Sunday and Monday, before a slight cooldown later in the week.

Warning Preparedness meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada Natalie Hasell said the past few weeks aren’t unheard of but were made by a roller-coaster of changing conditions.

“There have been years where we had three weeks of cold weather, so the fact that it’s only two weeks wasn’t bad,” she said. “It just felt worse because of how warm it had been in December and January.”

There’s a chance of snow both Friday and Sunday but Hasell doesn’t expect to amount to a large volume. However, there are risks that go along with that.

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“When we have temperatures reaching above zero and falling below zero, we get into a freeze/fall cycle,” Hasell said. “So road conditions could be affected by that.”

There’s also a likelihood of strong winds coming along with the warmer temperatures. Hasell said this could also affect drivers but it’s worth keeping in mind while outdoors.

“It will be warmer, but not necessarily pleasant,” she said.

Some models are predicting another significant drop in temperature, but Hasell said those are outliers. However, having melted snow freeze is the more pressing concern, both for accidents and for being stuck on the highway in temperatures that aren’t extreme, but still below freezing.

“Things could be very different from the time you leave and the time you arrive or get back.” She said. “Look at the forecast, see what the wind strength is. If you feel comfortable with driving, alright then, but if you don’t, postpone your trip.”

North Battleford fire chief Lindsay Holm said the likelihood of slush developing on roads is high. Due to that risk, he said there are a number of preventative checks people should make with their vehicle.

“Everyone should make sure they have their windshield wiper fluid topped up so they have good visibility,” he said.

And for everyone driving, Holm said there’s one proactive move above all else that can make a difference.

“Take a little bit more time to get to your destination.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports