More and more regions of Saskatchewan are falling under extreme cold warning coming in effect on Feb. 2.
The extreme cold warning covers all southern, west-central and parts of central Saskatchewan, as well as northern parts of the province.
Environment Canada is warning of an extended period of dangerously cold wind chills. Over the next few days, wind chill values could drop to -40 or lower at times.
Overnight lows nearing -30°C, combined with winds of 10 to 15 km/h, which will create extreme wind chills ranging from -40 to -45.
Snow pushing in from the United States will likely keep regions between the international border and the Transcanada Highway above extreme cold thresholds Tuesday morning. However, areas to the north, in the vicinity of the Yellowhead, will continue with the bitterly cold temperatures into Wednesday morning.
Temperatures are expected to moderate for most by Thursday.
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.
“Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill,” says Environment Canada.
“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
“Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.
“Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.”
