Variable temperatures and above normal precipitation expected for the rest of winter

“Looking at Red Deer, we can see that typically in November, your daily average, which is the mean daytime, nighttime temperatures, for the month of November, is – 3.8,” says Hasell. “Looking at the data for Red Deer for November, your mean temperature was – 9.7, so clearly, well below normal.”

“For December, though the month isn’t over yet, the average for December is – 8.5, and if we look at the values we have now, from the 1^st to the 19^th of December, you’re at – 15.9, so again, well below normal,” adds Hasell.

She says that does make sense, however, due to the La Nina conditions in place for our part of the continent this winter.

In terms of precipitation, Hasell anticipates slightly above average amounts over the course of the winter, which officially began at 2:47 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

“I have liquid equivalent values. November had 9.8ml and for Red Deer, November, typically your precipitation amount is 17.7 ml, so November was actually drier than normal” says Hasell. “And for December, again from the 1^st to the 19^th, we’ve had 0.9ml and normally in December you have 14.1ml, so very dry.”

With all of Alberta currently under an Extreme Cold Warning and temperatures in the minus 30s with wind chills around – 40 degrees, Hasell says it’s important to be prepared for temperature extremes.

“Paying attention to the forecast and current conditions does help,” she explains. “Ideally, you wear appropriate clothing in layers and you wear an external layer that’s wind-proof. Use insulated water-proof footwear, cover as much exposed skin as possible, all of the things that we would normally think of for winter.”

Hasell says it’s also important to stay dry and stay active.

“If you do have to be outside waiting for something, don’t just sit there, pace,” suggests Hasell. “Keep your blood pumping so that you can keep yourself warm, but don’t go so much that you end up sweating.”

She says it’s also important to note that some members of the population are more at-risk than others when dealing with extremely cold temperatures, such as those who are very young, elderly or have medical conditions.

“Or people who work outdoors should probably have a conversation with management if they haven’t already, about taking breaks and warming up, that kind of thing,” says Hasell. “If you know people who are elderly, if you know people with very young children, find out how they’re doing.”

Hasell says if you have to travel, bring an emergency kit and tell people where you’re going, your route, know the forecast for where you’re going, and how long it’s going to take you to get there.

“If you end up getting stuck on the highway, don’t leave your vehicle,” she continues. “If it’s intact, it’s already offering you shelter. That building in the distance that might be a shelter, if you’re driving normal conditions, you would make it there in a few minutes but on foot, it’s a totally different story.”

by Sheldon Spackman

Variable temperatures and above normal precipitation expected for the rest of winter

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