The Extreme Cold Warning that was announced last night for Yellowknife which was originally supposed to moderate this morning has been extended. Environment Canada stated this morning that a prolonged period of very cold wind chills is expected to stay in Yellowknife throughout the day and that the wind chill is expected to be near -50 overnight tonight into Tuesday.
The areas of Lutsel K’e, Wekweeti, Whati and Behchoko have also received Extreme Cold Warnings.
Environment Canada warns that extreme cold puts everyone at risk and to watch for cold-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.
In temperatures this extreme, frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
Environment Canada reminds residents 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 when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia.
