It looks like Red Deerians will have to continue to bundle up this week as colder weather is expected to continue into the weekend.

Last week’s high of +10C has now be swept away as arctic air is swooping south and leaving Central Alberta plunging deeper into the minus temperature range.

Chris Emond with Environment Canada says we are in a much colder temperature pattern than we’ve seen in recent weeks and it will get colder yet.

“There is an arctic ridge of high pressure that is developing and pushing southward and that is going to sit over Alberta for the rest of the week. We are looking at temperatures around -32C and -34C.”

The last time we saw these types of low temperatures was in November and December of last year and Emond said it certainly is a different year for weather.

“It has been somewhat of a mild winter and cold snaps are expected. This week looks like it will be the coldest one of the year.”

In December the coldest temperature hit –26C and Emond says in a couple of days it will be the coldest temperature yet this winter with the mercury dropping to -25C, but it will feel like -35C with the wind chill.

“Things will start to moderate this weekend and there is still some uncertainty in the timing but it looks like Saturday it will be around -22C and Sunday it could be -10C again,” said Emond.

“We certainly see cold snaps and this one will be colder than normal. The normal temperature for this time of year is around a high of +6C and a low of -18C.”

The cause of these different temperatures is the flow over the Pacific Ocean and as the arctic air is heading south towards Central Alberta it pushes the warm air south as well, according to Emond.

“It looks like it’s going to get colder so everyone should bundle up and enjoy the sunny weather while they can.”

There is some relief in sight as warmer temperatures are expected for next week.

tsigurdson@reddeerexpress.com