Polar vortex over Siberia could end up on the Prairies

Jan 18, 2023 | 2:41 PM

A polar vortex hovering over Siberia has generated the coldest temperature on Earth so far this year – and meteorologists say it could be headed to the Prairies in early February.

David Phillips, Environment Canada’s chief meteorologist, says all of the Prairies – as well as B.C., Northwest Territories, Yukon and northwestern Ontario – may get colder-than-normal temperatures next month.

A weather station recorded a temperature of -62.4 C on Saturday as a pocket of frigid arctic air hovered over northern Russia.

For reference, that temperature is less than one-third of a degree celsius from the average temperature on Mars – and cold enough to freeze exposed skin in seconds.

Polar vortex over Siberia could end up on the Prairies

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