School buses cancelled as extreme cold warnings stretch across Sask.

Extreme cold warnings from Environment Canada covered almost all of Saskatchewan on Monday morning, prompting school bus cancellations in Saskatoon and Regina.

“Wind chill values near -45 are expected over all of southern Saskatchewan this morning as a bitterly cold Arctic airmass remains over the region,” the weather service said in a statement. “Wind chill values will moderate overnight tonight.”

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The weather service reminded drivers to keep emergency supplies, such as blankets and jumper cables, inside their vehicles in case of an emergency, and noted that cold weather can be hazardous for pets.

Environment Canada’s forecast showed a high of -27 C for Regina on Monday, while Saskatoon is expected to reach just -25 C.

The cold snap is likely to end by Tuesday, when Saskatoon’s high is expected to reach -2 C. Regina is expected to be just one degree colder on Tuesday, with a high of -3 C.

Cold prompts school bus cancellations

The extreme chill has prompted bus cancellations in both of Saskatchewan’s largest cities.

Saskatoon Public Schools said its bus service is cancelled for the day, but noted that schools remain open.

“Special service, including transportation for wheelchair students via bus and taxi, is also cancelled,” the school division said in a statement. “Regular taxi service is still operating.”

Due to the extreme cold, Saskatoon Public Schools bus service is cancelled for Monday, January 20. Schools remain open.

Special service, including transportation for wheelchair students via bus and taxi, is also cancelled. Regular taxi service is still operating. pic.twitter.com/YOsYmmPMv1

— Saskatoon Public Schools (@StoonPubSchools) January 20, 2025

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools has cancelled its bus service for elementary school students in Saskatoon, Warman and Martensville, along with intensive-needs high school buses and transportation for students from Martensville and Warman to Bishop James Mahoney High School.

Regina Catholic Schools noted that school is cancelled on Monday for elementary students, while high schools will be open as usual.

Regina Public Schools said the frigid windchill means its buses won’t be running on Monday.

“This includes all school busses, Campus Regina busses, light vehicle, charters, and the Attendance Matters Van,” the division said in a statement.

“All schools remain open. Please report all student absences to the school. Bundle up and stay safe!”

January 20, 2024
Due to extreme windchill of -47C all Regina Public Schools student transportation has been cancelled. All schools remain open. Please report all student absences to the school. Bundle up and stay safe! pic.twitter.com/XnYNdRe1Pv

— Regina Public Schools (@RegPublicSchool) January 20, 2025

The latest updates on the weather alerts can be found on Environment Canada’s website.