MEDICINE HAT, AB – Weather that’s cold to the bone.
Temperatures in Medicine Hat and area are going to drop starting Sunday.
By early next week, it’s going to feel like minus 35 with the windchill during the day.
So, it’s important to be prepared for the cold snap, and that includes your vehicle.
Service Manager at Kal-Tire James Sackman says to make sure your battery is in decent shape and get it checked that it’s fully charged. “If it’s fully charged it will not freeze. Making sure your tires are in good shape and that air pressure is up. You will lose some air pressure when it gets cold.”
Sackman says they will be busy during the cold snap as more mechanical issues start to show up in vehicles.
Towing companies are also bracing for some busy days.
“In the mornings we’re always swamped from about 7 O’ clock right up until 9 O’clock. And then in the evening after work, everybody wants to go home and their vehicle won’t start because it’s been sitting outside,” according to Willie Langille with Willie’s 24 Hour Towing.
To avoid a tow, he encourages plugging in your vehicle to keep the battery warm.
Langille says they see a lot of people who don’t plug their cars in, or happen to leave a light on which kills the battery.
Community and charity organizations are preparing to help keep residents warm.
The Salvation Army says between 60-90 people come in for a hot meal on a regular day, and they expect an increase during the cold spell.
“You know as the weather does get cold, people are wanting to get out of the elements,” according to Community Resource Director Donna Miller.
There are still coats available thanks to local donations over the past month.
Residents can pick out a warm jacket anytime the Salvation Army is open.
