From extreme cold to a 20-some degree temperature swing

While Airdrie and the surrounding areas can expect temperatures as low as -46 on Friday evening, as well as arctic temperatures to continue throughout the weekend, by early next week there may be a drastic change in the other direction.

Environment and Climate Change Canada's forecast for early next week is showing that by Tuesday morning residents may see a balmy -9 degrees as a daytime high. Natalie Hazel, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada explained that 

"A number of models are suggesting that we'll see dramatic warm-up by [January] 16. Depending on the track of that system, the frontal boundary will be North of you for a period of time. So, you'll be in this much warmer airmass," she said.

Hazel added that the the warmth may be brief, as nighttime lows next week are forecast at around -16.

And although Airdrie and the surrounding areas remain under an extreme cold warning, Hazel said that the past several days' bitterly cold temperatures have not broken historical records - though the weekend may prove to break records. 

"Looking at today, January 12, the coldest temperature, nighttime [into the] early morning for the Airdrie area is minus 42.2 [degrees Celsius]. Depending on when these temperatures happen, minus 46 that's in the forecast for tonight into tomorrow morning; then Saturday night and Sunday morning, then those could be record-breaking."

With the windchill on Friday morning approaching -60, there are hazardous frostbite conditions.

With the windchill on Friday morning approaching -60, there are hazardous frostbite conditions. (Graphic credit to Enivronment and Climate Change Canada) 

As a result of the extreme cold, various school districts announced that many schools would be closed and buses would be cancelled. 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

For Airdrie and area breaking news, weather, traffic and contest alerts download the DiscoverAirdrie app. Click here to get it from the Google Play or Apple App Store.