Calgarians advised to bundle up for coldest Christmas in recent years

It’s looking like Calgary will host one of its colder white Christmases in recent years, and residents are asked to make sure they bundle up to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.

Environment and Climate Change Canada scientist Christy Climenhaga said the city can expect a very interesting setup in Alberta over the coming days, with cold air entrenched in the northern half of the province, winds to the west, and warmer air towards the south.

“So very, very different temperatures depending on where you are, and Calgary is going to see a little bit of everything,” she said. “That cold air is looking to pull in some cooler conditions for your Christmas Eve.”

For anyone heading out, snowfall remains a possibility for Christmas Eve, with cooler air lingering for Christmas Day, and some relief from the cold in time for Boxing Day.

“Just looking historically, this could be the coolest Christmas we’ve seen since about 2021 when it was a very, very chilly one,” Climenhaga said. “But the last few have been milder. So cooler conditions are expected at least for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.”

Looking to New Year’s around New Year’s Eve, Calgary will actually see temperatures in the positives.

“We have a push of warmer air moving in for the weekend, especially into Monday, even into Tuesday,” she said. “Our longer range models do have that milder air kicking in as you head towards New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day. So, a good chance of a warm-up there.”

‘Early recognition’ key for treating someone with frostbite or hypothermia

Acting public education officer for AHS-EMS Shane Paton said that anyone out and about for the holidays should take precautions to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.

“Dressing in layers is important,” Paton said. “It’s easier to take a layer off should you be too warm, rather than be in need of more layers if you’re cold. Take frequent breaks and rest in a warm vehicle or structure. Stay hydrated. This will help you regulate your temperature, which may in turn combat hypothermia.”

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When it comes to hypothermia and frostbite, they each have three stages that range in severity.

“There’s degrees of frostbite: first, second, and third,” he said. “First-degree frostbite is also known as frostnip, which we get well outside and easily reverse, progressing to third, which could be possibly limb-threatening, so that’s more of an emergency. With hypothermia, there’s mild, moderate, and severe. Severe hypothermia can also be life-threatening. They may act inappropriately or incoherent. You can find them fumbling, mumbling, and stumbling as the body’s temperature continues to lower.

“Treatment for both begins with removing the person from the cold environment to a warm one, and also early recognition is the key.”

Parents are also asked to keep an extra eye out for their children, and seniors are also asked to take extra caution while out in the cold.

Plan ahead for the cold, says Paton

Although frostbite and hypothermia aren’t overtly dangerous in their early stages, the damage can progress rapidly.

“They’re most susceptible to severe differences in temperature, whether it’s hot or cold,” Paton said. “If somebody’s becoming hypothermic, they may appear confused or lethargic, so if you’re noticing symptoms like that, it’s definitely important to get them out of the cold environment immediately and start warming them.”

For unhoused people in Calgary, pop-up shelters are located throughout the city. They can also contact the Drop-In Centre and Mustard Seed to help get access to a warm environment.

“There’s also the HELP Team downtown, and if you think somebody may need help or be moved to a warmer environment, you can contact them and give them a location of the person,” he said.

Before anyone sets out for the holidays, Paton said they should take a moment to plan ahead for the cold.

“Check the temperature of the forecast prior to going out,” he said. “The temperature, also the wind chill, plays a big factor in it. And if it’s going to be quite cold, just prepare ahead and plan to not be outside for long.”