Bundle up and plug in your vehicles – Calgary's heading for another cold snap
When you first stepped outside today, you would’ve noticed right away – the wintry weather has returned.
After a warm week, the temperatures have plunged and they're not done yet.
If we hit the forecast temperature on Thursday, it will be the coldest Dec. 1 since 1919.
At -9 C or so, it's already noticeable – less crowds, less enthusiasm.
"Not thrilled. I’ve got to say, not thrilled about that," one person said.
But with a high of around -20 C later this week, like it or not, it's time to prepare.
"Just kind of brace myself, tell myself it’s a lot warmer than it is, have a coffee," another person said.
After a warm week or so, outdoor rinks are in poor repair, ready for the volunteers who keep these community gems smooth to get back out with their hoses and make it safe to go in the corners again.
Frostbite can begin in just minutes when we hit double-digit negative temperatures.
"Cover as much skin as you can to prevent frostbite, dress in layers if possible … if you make a living outside, just look out after each other, try to take frequent breaks," said Adam Loria with EMS.
Frigid temperatures also mean thinking ahead.
Calls for flat batteries can increase significantly in these conditions, with AMA saying service calls are typically about six times higher when the mercury hits -15 C or lower.
"Start plugging in your vehicle. And really, that can be the difference between an engine that starts and one that doesn't, because typically we see about one call every 40 seconds when we see temperatures dip below -15 C, minus -20 C," said Ryan Lemont, manager of driver education with AMA.
Wintry weather can feel like a marathon, and that calls for a positive attitude – an embrace of this northern environment, some say.
"I just try to embrace it and take it for what it is … and my dog gets me out and it actually makes my day better to be outdoors," one person said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates | Daniel Jolivet insists he's not a murderer and says he has proof
Convicted murderer Daniel Jolivet, in prison for the past 30 years, has maintained his innocence since the day he was arrested. W5 reviews the evidence he painstakingly assembled while behind bars. W5's documentary 'Buried Evidence' airs Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.

Dozens of soldiers freed in Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap
Dozens of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home following a prisoner swap, officials on both sides said Saturday.
Marit Stiles set to officially take over as Ontario NDP leader
Marit Stiles is expected to be confirmed as the new leader of the Ontario NDP today.
China balloon: Many questions about suspected spy in the sky
The massive white orb drifting across U.S. airspace has triggered a diplomatic maelstrom and is blowing up on social media. A look at what's known about the balloon crossing the U.S. and what isn't.
One in four Canadian cancer patients still experiencing cancelled appointments: survey
In the field of cancer treatment, nothing is more important than diagnosing and treating the problem as quickly as possible — but according to new survey data, about one in four Canadian cancer patients report that they are still experiencing cancelled or postponed appointments.
Oldest preserved vertebrate brain found in 319-million-year-old fish fossil
The oldest preserved vertebrate brain has been found in a 319-million-year-old fossilized fish skull that was removed from an English coal mine over a century ago.
In Tyre Nichols' neighbourhood, Black residents fear police
In a terrible way, the death of Tyre Nichols brings vindication to members of the Black community in Memphis who live in terror of police.
50-car train derailment causes big fire, evacuations in Ohio
A train derailment and resulting large fire prompted an evacuation order and a declaration of a state of emergency in an Ohio village near the Pennsylvania state line on Friday night, covering the area in billows of smoke lit orange by the flames below.
Canada tracked suspected Chinese spy balloon over Canadian airspace since last weekend: sources
The suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that was found floating over sensitive military sites in the western United States had been tracked by Canada's government since last weekend as it passed through Canadian airspace, sources tell CTV News.