Frigid temperatures envelop central and southern Manitoba with wind chill values nearing –40
Environment Canada issues extreme cold warning for much of central and southern Manitoba
Frigid cold temperatures are expected to envelop much of south and central Manitoba as a multi-day extreme cold event continues to tear through the frozen prairies.
Overnight low temperatures of near –30 C with winds of 15 to 25 km/h will produce extremely cold wind chill values close to –40 beginning Monday night and into Tuesday morning, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.
Wind chills will moderate slightly during the day, but will return to extreme values overnight throughout the week in parts of the province.
The warnings reach from the U.S. border as far north as the northern edge of Lake Winnipegosis at Dawson Bay, and from the Saskatchewan border to the Ontario boarder as far north as Long Lake area.
A comprehensive list of affected towns and cities can be found on Environment and Climate Change Canada's website, and include Winnipeg, Brandon and Dauphin, Gimli, Steinbach and Winkler.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill create an elevated health risk, such as frostbite or hypothermia. Risks are greater for young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses.
ECCC urges people to dress warmly and cover up, as frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with the wind chill.
Outside workers should dress in layers and wear a wind resistant outer layer, the agency says.
More information on cold and health can be found at Manitoba Health's cold weather website or Health Links/Info Santé at 204-788-8200, toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.