Photo: Shane Clausing

By Shane Clausing

weather

Warmer temperatures returning to Grande Prairie after lengthy cold snap

Jan 10, 2022 | 1:24 PM

Temperatures in Grande Prairie and the Peace Region are returning back to more seasonal after a lengthy cold snap that gripped Alberta over the last three weeks.

Over the last several weeks, temperatures in the Swan City fluctuated between -25 and -35 celsius.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Kyle Fougere says throughout the cold snap, the city did manage to break a record.

“We did actually set a record in the Grande Prairie region with a temperature of -44.4 on December 17, which was the coldest day in that area,” he said. “There were some other days that came close, but didn’t quite set the record.”

According to Fougere, there were also 16 consecutive days with temperatures sitting below the -25 mark.

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Throughout the next week, residents can expect temperatures to reach around plus two or three and overnight lows around minus two or three.

Fougere adds it is common for temperatures to be above seasonal after a lengthy cold snap.

“That cold dense air kind of spread over the province and it’s so cold and dense it is stubborn to remove,” he explained.

“We didn’t see much of a change in the pattern with the jet stream over the last few weeks. That jet stream has changed and that cold arctic air has pushed to the east and we are starting to see some of that warm air move into the province now.”

Fougere also gives credit to La Niña for why the Swan City is seeing warmer temperatures.

With this winter being a La Niña winter, Fougere mentioned we will likely see more cold snaps and snow until the spring.

“There are likely to be more cold air outbreaks. It’s probably unlikely we’ll see something as long-lasting as this, but it is still possible,” he mentioned.

“We are expecting it to be colder and snowier at the end of the winter, unfortunately, and we still have February and March to come. I think people should enjoy this week because it’s probably going to get cold again.”