Get ready for lows of -25 C in Calgary by the weekend

Calgarians are being warned to brace for a blast of severely cold weather as an Arctic system moves southward over the next couple of days.

Parts of northern Alberta are already under Environment Canada extreme cold warnings with wind chill temperatures near minus 40 degrees Celsius expected in Fort McMurray and High Level.

By Saturday, the agency says the extreme cold will extend into southern Alberta.

Calgary can expect lows that plunge to 25 or even lower by the weekend.

The Alberta Motor Association urged Albertansto take safety measures ahead of thecold snap.

In February2019, Albertaexperienced wind chill values between 40 and 45, and most of southern and central Alberta were under extreme cold warnings issued by Environment Canada.

According toYYC Weather Recordsa Twitter account run bycomputer scientist Rolf Campbell, who developed software topullin Environment Canada data to create weather statisticslast winter featuredthe longest cold snap in the city since January 1998.

Albertans contacted roadside assistance a record number of times during thepunishing deep-freeze, the AMA said in a Monday news release, and at the timecitedmore than 31,000 roadside assistance requests in two days. To put that figure in perspective, the AMAreceived 6,300 calls for that same stretch in 2018.

With temperaturesin Calgary and Edmonton projectedto drop into negative double-digits early this week, the AMA is offering tips to reduce the risk of emergency.

According to the AMA, these steps can help prevent an emergency situation:

• Prior to driving, plug in your vehicle for at least four hours when the outdoor temperature is 15C or below.
• Always carry an emergency kit to help ensure your safety in the event of an unexpected breakdown. This should include things like a blanket, warm clothing, caution triangles, a flashlight, glovesand a folding shovel.
• Clear off your vehicle thoroughly before leaving to ensure your lines of sight aren't obstructed by snow or ice.
• If you have any doubts about your battery's health, consider alternate transportation until a test is completed or new battery is installed. This could save you from being stranded outdoors in extreme temperatures.
• If your vehicle doesn't have a block heater, switching to synthetic oil will help the engine turn over.
• Ensure your gas tank is at least half full and consider using gas-line antifreeze.
• Swapping to winter tires will give you much better traction on snow and ice, reduce your stopping distanceand provide much better control.

As winter weather arrives in earnest, the AMA is also encouraging Albertans to exercise more caution on the roads. They say that drivers should:

• Scan the road ahead and maintain a safe following distance that allows for adjustments. When the roads are icy or snowy, this means four to six seconds.
• Drive to conditions, keeping in mind that the posted speed limit refers to ideal conditions.
• Ensure that tires are properly inflated, as most tires lose one pound per square inch for every 5 C drop in temperature.
• Put their personal safety first if a vehicle should break down during extreme cold. Getto a warm place, as frigid temperatures make it dangerous to be outdoors (even inside a car).