The unrelenting cold that has gripped Airdrie is set to continue this week, with wind chills that could cause frostbite in minutes.
The mercury is expected to drop to -31°C by tonight, and the wind chill will make it feel like -40°C. Monday morning will bring no relief, with the same bitter wind chill before a slight warm-up to -13°C in the afternoon.
Intermittent flurries will dust the region through tonight, but skies are expected to clear by morning. Midweek offers a modest reprieve, with daytime highs reaching -9°C, though overnight temperatures will remain brutal, dipping as low as -28°C by Tuesday night. Friday marks another sharp drop, with a high of just -20°C and a continued risk of snowfall.
With severe conditions, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) reminds drivers to take winter weather seriously. In November, the AMA urged motorists to revert to safe winter driving habits and warned that harsh conditions require extra caution.
Many drivers assume newer vehicles don’t need to be plugged in, but Klassen stressed that extreme temperatures significantly strain an engine without a block heater.
AMA previously advised plugging in vehicles at least four hours before driving when it’s -15°C or colder. They also recommended winter tires for better traction, maintaining proper tire pressure, and switching to synthetic oil to reduce wear in frigid conditions. Fuel tanks should be kept at least half full to avoid fuel line issues, and windows and roofs should be cleared of snow and ice before driving.
The AMA urged drivers to slow down and increase their following distance to at least four to six seconds in snowy or icy conditions. Speed limits are set for ideal weather, which Airdrie won’t see anytime soon.
The association also emphasized the importance of carrying an emergency roadside kit, which should include a blanket, extra clothing, caution triangles, a flashlight, gloves, and a folding shovel.
Drivers were also reminded of Alberta’s move-over law, which requires vehicles to slow to 60 km/h—or lower if the posted limit is lower—when passing roadside assistance vehicles, including tow trucks, helping stranded motorists.
With wind chills dropping to -40°C, frostbite is a real danger, setting in within minutes. Even quick trips outside can be hazardous without the proper precautions. The forecast offers little relief in the coming days, meaning Airdrie residents should prepare for more biting cold, intermittent snow, and the need to stay extra vigilant on the roads.
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