Canada, often called the “Great White North,” earns its wintry reputation with snowy, cold winters. Despite temperatures plunging to -30 or -40 degrees Celsius in certain cities, life carries on. Being prepared and embracing winter activities is essential. This article covers winter-related terms and offers tips on prepping your home, car, and yourself for your first winter in Canada.
Getting acquainted with winters in Canada
You’ll hear phrases like “wind chill,” “frostbite,” “frostnip,” and “hypothermia” more frequently as winter approaches in Canada. Understanding these ideas and their ramifications is crucial because it will help you take preventative measures to protect yourself from any negative consequences.
Which months constitute the winter season in Canada?
You’ll hear phrases like “wind chill,” “frostbite,” “frostnip,” and “hypothermia” more frequently as winter approaches in Canada. Understanding these ideas and their ramifications is crucial because it will help you take preventative measures to protect yourself from any negative consequences.
What is the level of coldness experienced during Canadian winters?
The winters in Canada are extremely cold. The temperature normally ranges from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius and is consistently near or below 0 degrees Celsius. It does happen occasionally, even though temperatures rarely fall below -20 or -30 degrees Celsius. November and December frequently have significant snowfall.
Keep yourself informed about weather conditions using a weather application
It’s crucial to get a weather app and monitor the daily forecasts because Canadian weather is so erratic. This makes it easier for you to organize your day, dress appropriately, and get ready for changing weather. Use WeatherCAN, the official app of Environment Canada, which offers up-to-date, reliable forecasts and is free to download on both iOS and Android.
Considering wind chill
The perceived temperature is substantially impacted by wind chill. It might make it feel considerably colder outside than what a weather app indicates. For instance, while the app can show -20 degrees Celsius, the “feels like” temperature might be -30 degrees Celsius owing to wind chill. Remember that exposed skin may become frostbitten in cases of extreme wind cold.
What does the term “frostbite” mean?
Frostbite happens when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time; simply 30 seconds is enough to cause the skin to freeze. Hands, feet, noses, ears, and faces are frequently impacted locations. The danger of frostbite is influenced by things including a strong wind chill, moist clothing, drug usage, and high altitudes. Numbness, discomfort, swelling, and blistering accompany the pale or white, waxy appearance of the affected areas. Avoid rubbing or direct heat. Use body temperature or soft warmth instead. Frostbite is a serious condition that affects not just the skin but also the underlying tissue; get treatment right once to avoid further problems. To protect exposed skin from intense cold, wear warm clothing, gloves, and footwear. Cheek and nose protection comes from Vaseline.
Frostnip is a less severe version of frostbite. It is common when skiing or snowboarding and frequently affects the cheekbones and tip of the nose. Soft, yellowish, or whitish skin with tingling or burning discomfort are the symptoms. Frequently, gently warming the affected area with your touch will provide immediate relief. Avoid rubbing because it could cause a rash.
Hypothermia – What is it?
When your core body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, hypothermia sets in. This emphasizes how crucial it is to dress warmly when outdoors. Shivering, slurred speech, odd behavior, bewilderment, cramps in the muscles, disorientation, and pale, chilly skin are all signs of hypothermia. The best course of action for treatment is a rapid warming up.
Getting ready for the winter season in Canada
The weather in Canada varies from the west to the east coast due to its size. Winters on the west coast are milder and rainier than those on the east coast. The weather gets more Arctic as you travel further north. But making sure your clothing, house, and car are ready will ensure a pleasant winter.
Ways to prepare for Canadian Winter
Winters in Canada can be brutal, especially now that people are spending more time indoors due to the ongoing pandemic. Making a pre-winter inspection a top priority and preparing your property ensures warmth and security during the colder months.
10 suggestions to help you winterize your house
- Combat Indoor Dryness: Use a humidifier to counter dry air caused by indoor heating and prevent minor nosebleeds.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Detect and seal any cracks or gaps using caulk or weather-stripping. Consider replacing windows or doors if necessary.
- Roof Check: Examine your roof for missing shingles and flashing, especially if you live in a house.
- Outdoor Preparations: Before sub-zero weather, drain hoses and sprinkler systems, cap taps, and clear eavestroughs.
- Attic Insulation: Ensure your attic is properly insulated to retain indoor heat effectively.
- Outdoor Furniture: Protect or store away patio and garden furniture.
- Emergency Preparedness: Keep flashlights, lamps, batteries, and candles ready for potential blackouts.
- Tree Maintenance: Trim oversized tree branches that could jeopardize your home’s structural integrity.
- Chimney and Furnace: Inspect and clean the chimney, maintain the furnace, and address any carbon monoxide concerns.
- Vent and Duct Care: Change air filters regularly, clean vents and ducts, and clear dryer vents to prevent fire hazards.
- Snow and Ice Management: Keep walkways, driveways, and stairs free of snow and ice to ensure safety.
Preparing your car for winter – What can you do?
Even though the harsh Canadian winter can harm your car, there are a few easy precautions you can take to keep it safe when it’s snowing.
Put on winter tires
Winter tires, designed for arduous winter driving conditions, provide improved traction, braking, and handling. When the temperature falls below seven degrees Celsius, they perform at their best.
Ensure the essentials are in order: battery, tire pressure, oil, wiper blades, washer fluid, and coolant
Battery: With cold weather, an aged battery is prone to failure. It’s wise to get it assessed, especially if it’s been used for four years or often in hot climates.
Tire Pressure: Watch tire pressure as temperatures drop – cold weather can cause pressure fluctuations due to air expansion and contraction. Regularly check and adjust tire pressure as needed.
Oil: Opt for winter-specific oils with lower viscosity for superior engine protection in cold conditions.
Wiper Blades: Over time, wiper blades lose efficiency. Regular checks are essential and consider using winter-specific blades.
Washer Fluid: Choose cold-weather washer fluid; avoid water, as it can freeze and impede visibility.
Coolant: Verify coolant levels and the right antifreeze-water proportion in your car’s system.
Confirm that both the heating system and block heater are operational
To ensure your comfort as well as clear windows free of fog and ice, check your car’s heating system. Warm up your car’s engine short for a quick ignition if it will be outside in the winter. Check the efficiency of your car’s block heater before winter hits. The block heater’s timer might reduce electricity usage.
Place car floor mats inside your vehicle
Rubber mats help hold and remove snow that has been tracked into the automobile, reducing the likelihood of fogging from melted snow. They require little care and are easily cleaned.
Assemble a winter emergency kit
Driving in the winter can be difficult in Canada. A winter emergency kit gives you the tools you need to deal with unforeseen events like becoming lost, car trouble, or accidents.
