The weather outside may be frightful these days, but winter is still a few weeks away. Both The Farmer’s Almanac and Environment Canada is calling for a moderate to below average winter, but it doesn’t hurt to be ready for the cold days ahead.

Although the weather isn’t too bad these days, Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada believes now is the time to start thinking about the cold Saskatchewan winter ahead.

“As we start transitioning into fall and soon, as per usual on the Prairies, soon into winter or at least winter-like conditions. Now is a really good time to winterize your vehicle and make sure everything is working fine in your home. Get your furnace checked,” Hasell said.

With a week of cooler temperatures upon us, now is a great time to give your furnace a test-run. It’s better to identify the problems now as opposed to in November. She believes there is no shame in being over-prepared, especially because you never know when that first snowfall will come.

“It would be a good time to start getting ready for the next season. Checking that all of the shingles on your roof are okay. Making sure your emergency kit is good to go – that you have an emergency kit in your car,” Hasell explained.

She added even though you may not need them right now, an emergency kit could be crucial, especially in your car. If you’ve never had an emergency kit or have no idea what to include in one, Hasell has you covered. 

“Have a look at getprepared.gc.ca. It’s very well laid out and lists all the things that you would need in both an emergency kit at home and an emergency kit for your vehicle,” she said.

The forecast for the rest of the week and weekend is calling for wet and cool weather.