An extreme cold warning is in effect for the Grande Prairie – Beaverlodge – Valleyview and Peace River – Fairview – High Prairie – Manning regions. Environment Canada says the wind chill will dip as low as minus 40 to minus 45 this morning.
In Grande Prairie we’re looking at a wind chill of minus 40 this morning and minus 30 this afternoon and into this evening.
From Environment Canada:
While anyone who isn’t dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia:
– homeless people
– outdoor workers
– people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
– people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers
– winter sport enthusiasts
– people who consume excess alcohol
– infants and
– seniors.
Watch for cold related symptoms and complaints which include:
– Respiratory: shortness of breath, wheezing and cough
– Cardiovascular: chest pain and arrhythmias
– Circulation: colour change of finger and toes, pain, numbness and tickling sensation in extremities
– Muscle: pain, stiffness, swelling, restricted movement, weakness
– Skin: itching, pale.
If you experience these symptoms when exposed to the cold, move indoors and begin warming.