According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), extremely cold wind chill values near minus-40 continue throughout most of the province this morning.
Meteorologists say temperatures are forecast to moderate this afternoon for most areas, however, parts of northern Alberta may see wind chill values near minus-40 again tonight.
Officials say extreme cold puts everyone at risk with risks being greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.
Environment Canada says to watch for cold-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, tingling and colour change in fingers and toes. If present, experts say to move indoors and begin warming immediately.
Experts recommend dressing in layers that you can remove if you get too warm with the outer layer being wind resistant, and cover up all exposed skin because frostbite can develop within minutes with wind chill. ECCC also recommends physical movement to maintain your body heat, seeking shelter from the wind when necessary, and that outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.
Officials would like to remind Albertans, that if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
Extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment Canada when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Albertans are asked to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.
