Weather: Cold warning lifted, break approaching in deep freeze conditions, forecasters say

Although the capital area woke up to another extremely deep freeze, Environment Canada is suggesting relief is near.

In fact, Environment Canada officially lifted its ‘Extreme Cold’ warning at about 11 a.m.

That doesn’t mean it’s ‘warm’: the temperature just after 11 a.m. was about -25 C and rising.

But it’s definitely an improvement.

The temperatures plunged to -32 C overnight (real temps, not wind assisted.)

By 9 a.m. the airport was registering a bone-chilling -30 C.

Increasing cloudiness is expected through Saturday morning, then a 70 per cent chance of 2-4 cm of light snow in the afternoon. Saturday’s high is expected to be -14, with wind chill readings of -37 this morning and -23 in the afternoon.

The frostbite warnings remain in effect.

Light snowfall is expected overnight Saturday, but the temperature is expected to rise to -7 by morning.

Sunday’s high is expected to be balmy 1 C, accompanied by continued light snow. Wind chill effects are expected to moderate to -13.

The low should be around -11 C.

Monday’s high looks a more reasonable -6 C with sunny skies, dropping to -12 C overnight.

Then the weather goes a little crazy, with a forecast high of 3 C Tuesday with a 60 per cent chance of snow or rain.

Until then, officials continue to caution that frostbite can develop on exposed skin in minutes and there is an elevated risk of hypothermia.

“Risks are greater for children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without shelter,” the agency said

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