Winter Lecture

Winnipeg is famous for it's cold winters. My first reaction to the possibility of a future at the University of Manitoba was to exclaim WINTERPEG! Now that I'm a resident, I find the nickname to be quite misleading: this summer was one of the most pleasant (temperature and weather wise) I've ever had, with temperatures frequently above 32C (90F). But when the sun begins to lower on the horizon, and polar air licks across the prairies by order of blue sky cyclones, Winnipeg's situation in the centre of continental North America allows temperatures to inverse to a negative. What does that mean:

Tonight's low is -36C (-32.8F), with the wind chill making it feel more like -45C (-49F).

There is ice on the inside of my window sill. My room has a distinct temperature difference between the floor and the 13 foot high ceiling (which is accessible to me through my loft). If the room were more humid, I wouldn't be surprised to see cloud formation.




Manitobans are among is the highest users of energy in the world, and with temperatures like this (high in the summer, low in the winter) it's not a stretch to believe.

Fortunately, Winnipeg is blessed with a 'dry cold,' which makes a world of difference. I'm originally from Southern Ontario which receives a continuous flow of moisture as air flows over the Great Lakes. Moisture in the air makes the cold feel much colder because it draws heat out of the body quicker than a dry air. It is also more difficult to dress comfortably in a wet cold because either the wet air cuts through your jacket and mitts, or, if they're doing their job, you sweat. I find it much easier to keep toasty on a cold Winnipeg day. So long as I keep all exposed body parts covered, dress in two layers and long johns and a pair winter shoes, the only thing I have to worry about is the tip of my nose.