Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning across parts of British Columbia, including the Kamloops area.
It is warning of bitterly cold wind chill values between -35 C and -40 C in the Kamloops area starting Thursday night through the weekend.
“Temperatures between -25 C to -35 C in combination with periodic winds of 20 to 30 km/hr with create dangerous windchill values of -35 C or lower beginning Thursday night,” the warning said.
“These wind chill values are expected to moderate by the end of the weekend.”
Global BC Meteorologist Mark Madryga says the frigid temperatures are the result of an extremely cold arctic ridge that is building over B.C. and pushing south.
“Typical arctic outbreak where that wind comes along Kamloops Lake, mostly out of the west. A bit comes down the North Thompson but yeah, its that arctic outbreak,” Madryga said on NL Newsday. “The arctic air is really going ot take over tonight.”
Madryga says record temperatures are going to be threatened on Friday and Saturday in Kamloops, noting record lows for this time of year are sitting around -27 C.
“Our wind chill in the afternoon in Kamloops will be -30 C to -32 C ballpark,” Madryga said. “It could be -35 C windchill on Friday morning as we drop to about -25 C or so. And that’s right in Kamloops. It’ll be colder north.”
He said the “bitterly cold” wind chill values are expected to moderate by the end of the weekend.
The warnings of “the first arctic intrusion of the year” from Environment Canada also covers parts of the territories and Saskatchewan, as well as all of Alberta.
Environment Canada says extreme cold puts everyone at risk, but the risks are greater for children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those working or exercising outdoors, and people who don’t have proper shelter.
It is urging people to watch for cold related symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, as well as changing colour in fingers and toes.
“Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill,” Environment Canada said. “If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”
Temperatures in Kamloops aren’t expected to climb above -10 C until mid-week next week.
“Know where warming centres are, look at where you can help i your community and outreach in your community for people who need that support,” B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said.
“I would also say to have a plan and budget extra time if you re travelling. We know that the roads can be treacherous and we’ve seen some tragic events.”
For the latest warnings and alerts from Environment Canada, go here.
