National

Bitter cold from Arctic intrusion hits B.C., much of Western Canada

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Jan, 2024 10:39 AM

Bitter cold is descending on Western Canada, with Prairie cities already seeing -30 C temperatures and southwestern British Columbia bracing for an Arctic outflow and an overdue blast of winter.

Temperatures in Calgary and Edmonton have dipped to -29 C and -31 C respectively with lows of -38 C possible Friday.

The Calgary Zoo says it has cancelled a preview of its outdoor Penguin Walk due to the extreme cold and safety concerns for staff and visitors.

In Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria and the Fraser Valley, an arctic outflow warning from Environment Canada says frigid wind chill that feels like -20 will arrive tonight and last until at least Saturday, as winds gust to 60 km/h and beyond.

Wind speeds at Vancouver International Airport have already reached 79 km/h this morning, and BC Ferries has cancelled two sailings and delayed others on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route.

In Hope, schools have been closed due to "white out conditions beyond the scales" according to the district.

Extreme cold warnings remain in place for parts of Yukon, the Northwest Territories, B.C., northern Saskatchewan, and all of Alberta.

Communities have been grappling with bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills that feel as low as -55 in some parts.

Environment Canada warns that frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors.

The weather office says the risks associated with the extreme cold are greater for children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those working or exercising outdoors, and people who don't have proper shelter.

The B.C. government said earlier this week that residents should prepare for hazardous road conditions, extremely cold temperatures and an increased risk of avalanches.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Here's what Canada is pledging in multi-year support for Ukraine, updated trade deal

The two countries have also signed a modernized trade deal as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the country for the first time since Russia's full-scale assault of Ukraine began last year. The multi-year commitment includes $650 million over three years for 50 armoured vehicles that are to be built in London, Ont.

Here's what Canada is pledging in multi-year support for Ukraine, updated trade deal

Critical incident involving RCMP, B.C. Premier David Eby says

British Columbia Premier David Eby says there's been a critical incident involving RCMP in the Metro Vancouver suburb of Coquitlam. A witness on the scene says she saw an officer with a bloody leg and a tourniquet above the wound.

Critical incident involving RCMP, B.C. Premier David Eby says

White House rejects reports of tension with Canada over India interference allegation

The White House is pushing back against reports that Canada-U.S. relations are straining under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's seismic allegation that the government of India was involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the U.S. shares Canada's "deep concerns" and denies any suggestion of a wedge between the two countries.

White House rejects reports of tension with Canada over India interference allegation

First days of autumn expected to be cool and damp over most of British Columbia

Much of British Columbia will welcome the first week of fall with wet, cool conditions after enduring a summer of drought. Autumn officially begins at 11:50 p.m. Pacific time on Friday and Environment Canada forecasts show clouds and showers are expected to sweep across the south coast within hours of the autumnal equinox.

First days of autumn expected to be cool and damp over most of British Columbia

Woman assaulted in Coquitlam

R-C-M-P in Coquitlam say a man has been charged following an attack on a woman walking along a popular urban trail in that Metro Vancouver city. Police say a 32-year-old man was charged with separate counts of assault with a weapon and assault by choking related to the September 7th attack.

Woman assaulted in Coquitlam

B.C. First Nation research finds 158 child deaths at four facilities

An investigation into unmarked graves and missing children by British Columbia’s Sto:lo Nation has revealed at least 158 deaths, most of them at a hospital. Researchers with the nation say archival documents from three residential schools and a First Nation hospital show most of the children reportedly died of disease, some of accidents, while other causes of death are unknown.