Alberta Motor Association out with tips ahead of Calgary deep freeze
Posted Jan 9, 2024 12:16 pm.
It was nice while it lasted.
After an unseasonably warm December, Calgary is about to take a nose dive.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is forecasting a dip into the deepfreeze for the city starting Wednesday, with temperatures falling to -27 C with the wind-chill in the morning, and -33 C with the wind-chill in the afternoon.
It only goes down from there, with highs through to Sunday not set to exceed -27 C.
Some snow is expected Tuesday and Wednesday, with a few centimetres forecasted for the city, according to ECCC.
However, snowfall warnings have been issued both north and south of the city.
ECCC says 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is expected in the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, and Waterton Lakes National Parks starting Tuesday and continuing through the evening.
North of Calgary, areas such as Edson, Whitecourt, and Swan Hills could see up to 15 centimetres.
Snowfall warnings are also out for parts of northern Alberta.
As Albertans prepare for a winter wonderland, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is out with some warning for those who have to be behind the wheel.
Mark Pasternak with the AMA tells CityNews far too many people underestimate the affects that extreme cold has on vehicles.
“Generally, we say -15 C and below is kind of the point you should start plugging it in anyways — just to help oil remain warm in the morning, gets things started smoother,” he explained. “It doesn’t have to be plugged in for eight hours straight, you can actually buy timers that will set off and give you a good two, three hours warm up prior to you driving. So, it doesn’t waste too much energy that’s not needed.”
Apart from plugging in your vehicle, Pasternak says it’s important to adjust your driving to the conditions — slowing down, with good spacing between cars, and lighter actions when it comes to braking, steering, and turning.
In extreme cold, AMA receives requests for roadside assistance roughly every 40 seconds, and Pasternak says calls about dead batteries can spike by six times the usual number.
It’s also important to be prepared for emergency situations, as it can take a while to get a tow or a boost.
Pasternak explains it’s good practice to set our with plenty of gas, warm clothing, a cell phone, and even some snacks.
