Weather
Fall
- late-September to mid-December
- cool nighttime temperatures, sometimes below freezing (November-December)
- can be cool, cloudy and damp; rainfall is common
- Average Fall temperature: Between 0oC and +12oC
Winter
- late-December to early-March
- below freezing nighttime temperatures
- can experience extreme cold with high winds and heavy snowfall
- Average Winter temperature: Between -18oC and -25oC
- It can get as cold as -40oC
WINTER WARNING
- Windchill factor is the combination of temperature and wind. Wind makes the temperature even colder!
- Frostbite happens when the skin is not covered. The skin freezes, turns colour and loses feeling
- If you get frostbitten:
- go to a warm place immediately
- warm the affected area slowly
- use warm NOT HOT water to warm the skin
- if normal colour does not return, go to hospital emergency
- CAUTION: Frostbite can happen quickly when the temperature is very low
- If you get frostbitten:
What to prepare
Fall
- Waterproof and/or Windproof Jacket (rain and high winds)
- Umbrella
Winter
- Cover your head, hands and feet to keep them warm when you are outside - Wear a hat/toque, scarf, mittens, and WINTER boots
- Inner layer of clothing - undershirt, long-underwear, sweater
- Outter layer of clothing - WINTER jacket, heavy pants (wear ski pants if it's really cold or if you will be outside for a long time)
- The warmest clothes are: wool, fleece, fur, down-filled (filled with a special kind of feather), quilted and insulated
- Some shops in Saskatoon to buy winter clothing:
($=inexpensive; $$=moderately priced; $$$=expensive)- Walmart ($)
- Value Village - second hand used ($)
- Sport Chek ($$)
- Atmosphere ($$-$$$)
- Life Outside Gear Exchange - second hand used ($-$$$)
- Outter Limits ($$$)
- Canadian Tire ($-$$)
- Mark's ($$)
- Eddie Bauer ($$$)
- Winners ($$)
Be Prepared
- Check weather reports online (Environment Canada or The Weather Network), on the radio or TV before going out
- Check highway conditions before going out of town (SK Highway Hotline)
- Carry an emergency kit in your car
- Student Wellness Centre article "Preparing for the cold winter weather"