If you thought winter was starting to ease up, think again! Saskatchewan is currently the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures that would make even the most seasoned winter warriors shiver.
The image below shows real-time temperatures from various locations across Saskatchewan, and it’s not pretty. We’re talking about temperatures plummeting below -40°C, with some places hitting a bone-chilling -51°C with the wind chill. To put that into perspective, it’s colder than Antarctica in some spots!
How Cold Is It?
Here’s a snapshot of some of the extreme temperatures recorded:
- Prince Albert: -41°C (-42°F) with ice crystals
- Meadow Lake: -40°C (-40°F), feeling like -51°C (-59°F)
- Moose Jaw Air Vice Marshal C: -40°C (-40°F), dropping to -48°C (-54°F) with the wind chill
- Cook, Minnesota (yes, even south of the border is suffering!): -40°C (-40°F), feeling like -49°C (-57°F)
What Does This Mean for Saskatchewan Residents?
If you’re in Saskatchewan, you already know that extreme cold warnings are nothing new. But with temperatures this low, frostbite can occur in mere minutes. Here are some quick reminders for surviving this deep freeze:
- Layer up! Multiple layers of clothing, including thermal wear, mitts, toques, and face coverings, are essential.
- Limit outdoor time. If you don’t have to go outside, don’t. Even a quick trip can be dangerous in these conditions.
- Keep your car emergency kit stocked. If your car breaks down in this cold, you’ll want blankets, extra food, and a charged phone.
- Check on others. The elderly and vulnerable individuals are at higher risk during extreme cold, so reach out to ensure they’re safe and warm.
Why Is It So Cold?
Saskatchewan is no stranger to frigid winters, but this level of cold is exceptional. A strong Arctic air mass has settled over the Prairies, bringing record-breaking low temperatures. This isn’t just a normal cold snap—it’s a full-blown deep freeze.
How Does This Compare to the Coldest Places on Earth?
Right now, Saskatchewan is competing with places like Siberia and Antarctica for the title of coldest place on the planet. But the difference is, those places are expected to be freezing. Here in Saskatchewan, we like to think we’re tough, but -50°C with wind chill? That’s next level.
We’re a tough breed here in Saskatchewan. We can handle it; not like those in Eastern Canada that act so surprised every winter when it turns cold and get a blizzard or two. Just another day in the Prairies 👍
No kidding! Prairie folks are built different—we just bundle up, get to work, and carry on. Meanwhile, Eastern Canada acts like winter is a brand-new concept every year. Gotta love the Prairie resilience! Stay warm and keep showing ‘em how it’s done! 💪❄️
It’s really not that bad, they say it’s the coldest place on earth but I work outside. We have been working outside all winter and have yet to take a day off work because of the temperature. You wear the proper clothing and keep
Yourself moving you will be okay at points in the morning most of us are sweating and have to take a layer of clothes off.
Sounds like you’ve got winter figured out! Layering up (and sometimes down) is definitely the key to staying comfortable in extreme cold. It’s true—when you’re dressed right and staying active, the cold isn’t as brutal as it seems. Major respect for working outside all winter—Saskatchewan winters are no joke! Stay warm out there!