Harsh holidays: Edmonton gets extreme blast of winter for Christmas week

Toques, scarves, mitts and boots could be hot items under the Christmas tree this year as Edmonton finds itself in the midst of a vicious cold snap just in time for the holidays.

The forecast from Environment Canada shows a prolonged frosty streak until at least Dec. 25, with daytime highs below -20 C, and nighttime lows dipping to -25 C or worse, not including the wind chill. Environment Canada is warning of a risk of frostbite for those not appropriately covered up.

The prognosis for Christmas Day is a bit better at a high of -13 C and a low of -22 C.

Snow shovels and blowers may also be popular gift items as the forecast calls for a significant chance of flurries on several days this week, including Dec. 24. It’s hardly ideal conditions as many people try to complete last-minute shopping.

For vulnerable and homeless residents, the city is extending its extreme weather response until at least the morning of Dec. 27. The response is activated when forecasts call for -20 C temperatures or lower for at least three days in a row.

City libraries, recreation centres and other facilities are available during regular hours for anyone needing to warm up, while additional shuttle capacity is added overnight to transport people from transit centres to shelters.

“The city encourages vulnerable Edmontonians to go to shelters to protect themselves from winter conditions. Shelters are the safest option because they offer protection from cold injuries, including hypothermia, frostbite and death,” the city said in a news release Friday.

There are a number of day shelter spaces now operating as well.

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