Saskatoon hits -42.5 C, breaking weather record set 112 years ago

With an extreme cold warning in effect in Saskatoon and temperatures plunging below -40 C, buses have been cancelled, emergency shelters have been filling up, and some mail carriers are unable to do their jobs. 

The temperature hit -42.5 C in Saskatoon Wednesday, beating the record of -41.7 C set in 1907. 

• Saskatoon's Cold Weather Strategy makes sure everyone has a place to warm up

Environment Canada is warning of hazardous frostbite conditions in Saskatoon, and the risk of frostbite in minutes over today and tomorrow, with the cold persisting into the weekend. Much of the province is under an extreme cold warning.

1 Saskatoon shelter over capacity

The weather in Saskatoon is putting a strain on some shelters.

There are 11 designated places in Saskatoon where people can go to warm up. 

The local Salvation Army has been over capacity since September, but had to set up six cots in its overflow section on Tuesday night for people seeking shelter from the extreme cold.

Doug Mckenzie moved into the shelter after being evicted from his apartment.

"I've been outside today and it's not exactly an easy thing to deal with right now, but we have the warm room here and we have wonderful staff that make us feel very very welcome around the Salvation Army and especially on cold days like this," Mckenzie said.

Salvation Army is still taking people in despite the high numbers. So is Saskatoon's other 24/7 shelter, the Lighthouse.

Lighthouse communications manager Anna Pacik said staff have never turned people in need away.

"We're always ready for the most extreme weather, one way or the other, cold or hot," Pacik said. "It's a service that we do provide to the very vulnerable citizens of Saskatoon and we're always here for them."

Buses cancelled

The extreme cold led to the cancellation of the city's public and Catholic school buses.

Saskatoon Public Schools confirmed that all its buses had been cancelled for the entire day, including its Hertz, First Student and LP3 buses. All schools are open and classes are running as scheduled.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools has cancelled bus services for elementary school students in Saskatoon, Warman and Martensville.

Buses are also cancelled for high school students from Martensville and Warman who get bused to Bishop James Mahoney High School. 

Mail delays possible

Canada Post issued a yellow service alert Wednesday, stating the weather was impeding mail delivery.

"While every effort is being made to deliver the mail, some customers may not receive mail today," the company said in an emailed statement. "Delivery will resume once it's safe to do so.

The company has asked that residents clear and salt walkways and stairs to keep their mail carriers safe.