Officials with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), issued extreme cold warnings for much of Alberta, including Woodlands County, Lac Ste. Anne County and the County of Barrhead on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when cold temperatures and windchill create an elevated health risk such as frostbite or hypothermia.
Experts say wind chill values should moderate this afternoon but temperatures are expected to reach between minus 40 and minus 45 for Wednesday morning as well.
While extreme cold is a danger to everyone, residents are reminded that the risk is greater for younger children, older adults, people with chronic illness, people working outdoors and people who are without shelter.
Those at an elevated risk are being told to watch for the following cold-related symptoms:
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Muscle pain and weakness.
- Numbness.
- Colour change in fingers and toes.
Experts recommend covering all exposed skin when spending time outdoors as frostbite can develop within minutes, especially with windchill.
Residents are also being reminded that if it is too cold for you outside, it’s too cold for your pets.
Updates will be posted to the ECCC website as they become available.
