Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Colby Cosh: Why dry, ultra-cold winter winds are named after Alberta

'Alberta Clippers' start in the Rocky Mountains and whistle their way across the plains, assaulting eastern North America with frigid air

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

It’s good to get occasional horse-doses of intellectual humility, I guess. I was browsing the news yesterday when I ran across a CTV News headline: “Toronto under special weather statement as Alberta Clipper brings more snow to the city.” I grew up occasionally hearing this phrase, “Alberta Clipper,” from American TV-network weathermen. And you can imagine my Albertan reaction: a brief spark of enthusiasm at hearing our princely name mentioned by good old Willard Scott or Al Roker, followed by an equally brief spasm of consternation, because how the hell is it our fault that someone is freezing their plums off in Sheboygan.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

My operating assumption, you see, was that this phrase “Alberta Clipper” was........

© National Post