The Foothills has seen a deep freeze recently but there are some positives to the cold weather.

While the list may contain keeping insects at bay, there's other benefits to help residents push through some cold nights.

Kirk Thorneby, meteorologist with Environment Canada, says recreation comes to mind when dealing with cold temperatures.

"The biggest one that comes to mind obviously with the cold  weather and especially coming out of a warm November is really the conditions of outdoor activities," he says. "Skating as well as Ice Fishing those types of activities. Definitely ice conditions are improve so those activities are a lot more palatable now."

In terms of injuries whether indoors or outdoors, Thorneby says the cold once again can be a quiet aid.

"Anytime you have an injury we talk about RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation for those injuries. Cold conditions can help you relax those muscles and cause some healing benefits."

But the final question asked to the local meteorologist was simply 'When will the cold spell end?'

"It's going to take a little bit of effort to get the cold air out," Thorneby says. "It looks like there's a little bit of a warming trend maybe next week we're in the mid minus teens but there's great confidence that it's going to be that warm. It looks like very early indications is showing a warming trend towards next week or a little bit beyond."

When asked if it will be a warm Christmas, Thorneby said it could still feel a bit chilly on December 25.

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