Despite temperatures warming up by as much as 20 degrees, the City of St. Albert has extended its extreme cold response until Thursday.
The extreme cold response, which was initially activated on Jan. 10, allows for those outside to use public transit at no cost to be taken to the nearest city facility to warm up.
“The city has initiated enhanced services to ensure everyone’s safety as we face these extreme weather conditions,” the city's website reads. “Keep your eyes open for people who may be struggling with the frigid temperatures.”
“While cold weather affects everyone, the very aged and very young are more susceptible to cold.”
Those outside needing to warm up are encouraged to go to the nearest city facility such as St. Albert Place, Servus Place, or the Jensen Lakes Library. A full list of city facilities can be found online here.
“St. Albert Transit operators are trained to stop and provide assistance, if required, to someone in distress,” the city's website says. “Individuals will be provided bus tickets at no cost to get to any location within St. Albert or an emergency and overnight shelter in Edmonton.”
After five straight days of daytime highs -30 C or colder, the St. Albert and surrounding area has warmed up to -14 C as of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, not accounting for wind chill. However, overnight lows are forecast to drop back down to about -28 C for the next few nights.
