Temperatures plunge in B.C. and Alberta with once-in-a-generation cold spell
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Temperatures plunge in B.C. and Alberta with once-in-a-generation cold spell
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A rare cold spell, occurring once in a generation, has gripped various regions of British Columbia and Alberta.
In Alberta, temperatures revisited levels last witnessed a generation ago on Saturday morning. Keg River experienced a record low of -50.1°C, marking Canada’s first -50°C reading this season and Alberta’s first in two decades.
Keg River
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On Friday night, Edmonton registered a bone-chilling temperature of -45.8°C, just a tenth of a degree milder than Thursday night. This marked the fourth coldest night on record at the airport (1960-2024), and the last time such extreme cold was experienced was on December 13th, 2009, with a low of -46.1°C.
As Saturday night approaches, forecasters have their eyes on the potential for Edmonton to plummet to its all-time lowest temperature, either for the city or the airport station. The existing record dates back to January 19th, 1886, at -49.4°C.
Not only were nighttime temperatures plummeting, but daytime highs were also very frigid, with Edmonton hitting a meagre -34.4°C on Friday, setting a new record for the coldest day at Edmonton International Airport.
The relentless severe cold persisted in Calgary, as Friday saw a high of only -30.4°C, marking Calgary’s coldest day since February 1st, 1989 (-31.9°C).
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Brutal conditions for British Columbia
On Thursday a harsh outflow surged towards the coast of British Columbia, causing traffic disruptions with intermittent snow bursts along the arctic front.
Vavcouver Temperature Record
The temperatures that lingered in the aftermath dropped to levels that haven’t been experienced in decades. Wind chill readings at YVR airport Friday hit -24, a feat not reached since December 29th, 1968.
Victoria Cold Daytime
Cold descended upon Greater Victoria, resulting in an exceptionally uncommon daytime high of -6.6°C. This marked the coldest day in over 50 years.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates for your weather across Alberta and British Columbia