Winter-like temperatures to linger
Blame it on the arctic ridge and the polar vortex.
That combination of high- and low-pressure air masses stacked on top of each other is responsible for pulling a blanket of frigid air across Saskatoon, resulting in temperatures close to record lows.
It also has Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Amanda Prysizney — and countless thousands of others — trying to stay optimistic despite temperatures that are “well below seasonal.”
“While we’re cold here, at least we’re sunny and not experiencing blizzards like they are up north — you’ve always got to look for a positive, right?” the Winnipeg-based scientist said with a laugh.
According to the federal agency, the average overnight low for April 4 in Saskatoon is -3 C. It was -16 C overnight Wednesday; Prysizney said temperatures have been about 10 C below normal recently.
The record low for April 4 is -22.2 C, recorded in 1936. The temperature dipped almost that low late last month, and isn’t expected to climb significantly for at least another week, Prysizney said.
One weather model is projecting daytime highs of 7 C next week, but a composite picture of multiple long-term forecasts suggests normal temperatures won’t begin to appear until the middle of next week, she said.
“Definitely an upward trend by mid-next-week. Just how high those daytime highs get is a little tricky, because it takes a lot of energy to melt the existing snow.”
Saskatoon’s bitter spring comes after a winter that, according to ECCC, felt colder than it was due in part to fluctuating temperatures and a high number of days with -40 C wind chills.
Prysizney, meanwhile, urged anyone thinking about packing away their parka and toughing out the next few days to reconsider, even though it’s tempting.
“The sun is shining but (we’re) reminding people to keep an eye on the forecast and dress for the conditions. And try and stay positive.”