Alberta Town of Slave Lake Hits -38°C, Ranks Among Coldest on Earth

Residents of Slave Lake are enduring extreme cold, as the northern Alberta town of just over 7,000 people has been listed among the coldest places on Earth.

According to weather tracking service WX-Now, several Canadian locations recorded some of the lowest temperatures globally on Thursday, February 19. An Alberta community made the list, highlighting the deep freeze gripping much of the country.

Communities in Nunavut are experiencing even more severe conditions. Rea Point topped the rankings at a staggering -47°C, with wind chills reaching -62°C. Stafansson Island and Eureka followed closely behind, recording temperatures of -46°C and -42°C, respectively.

In Alberta, Slave Lake reported a bone-chilling -38°C, making it the coldest location in the province and placing it among the most frigid spots worldwide for the day.

Much of the province remains under a cold warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The agency warned that a prolonged period of very cold wind chills near or below -40°C continues across several regions.

Officials say wind chills of -40°C were recorded Thursday morning and are expected to return again overnight in many parts of Alberta. Conditions are forecast to moderate slightly by Friday afternoon, bringing some relief after days of extreme temperatures.

Extreme cold of this magnitude can pose serious health risks, including frostbite and hypothermia, particularly during prolonged outdoor exposure. Residents are being urged to dress in layers, limit time outside and check on vulnerable individuals.

While winter cold is not uncommon in northern Alberta, temperatures of this intensity serve as a stark reminder of Canada’s harsh winter climate. For Slave Lake, the deep freeze has placed the small town on the global weather map — albeit for frigid reasons.

Source: dailyhive