Winter has arrived; City bracing for extreme cold

The City of Lethbridge is encouraging residents to keep safe and warm as the first dose of real winter arrives today and is expected to last through the weekend.

The risks associated with extreme cold weather can be serious with frostbite possible in minutes. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Stay indoors when possible and dress for the weather if outside;
• Stay safe by dressing in warm insulating layers closer to the body, covering with wind and waterproof layers on the outside;
• If travelling by car, know your route ahead of time and make sure you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle with a fully charged cell phone;
• If working outside, do not over-exert yourself. Sweating can lead to hypothermia;
• Make sure your pets have warm shelter during a cold snap.

The City is prepared with an Extreme Weather Response Protocol which can be activated and implemented when needed. The Protocol provides a variety of resources around the city for people to get warm during the cold snap.

When activated, these resources will be communicated via the City’s website and social media and with the help of media and community partners.

Even though the freezing temperatures have arrived, lake ice is still unsafe at this time. After an unseasonably warm November and December, the four designated City skating lakes are still in need extended periods of freezing weather to be available for recreation. Please stay off the ice at this time and check online for lake ice updates.

Lethbridge has four designated skating areas. Ice conditions are checked at least once a week. Ice surfaces will be closed if conditions are unsafe for users. Ice conditions can change depending on temperature, precipitation, wind and the amount of sunshine. With Lethbridge's varying winter temperatures, it is important to stay safe and informed about the lake ice conditions. 

Information about how the City responds during extreme weather can be found at lethbridge.ca/ExtremeWeather.

For Public Inquiries:

Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.