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As blowing snow and blizzard conditions just begin to ease across southern Manitoba, Environment Canada has now issued extreme cold warnings for much of the region.
The extreme cold warnings extend across Winnipeg, the Red River Valley, the Interlake, the Manitoba lakes region, and areas east of the lakes. Wind chill values near -40 are expected at times, particularly overnight and into Monday morning.
Forecasters say extreme cold puts everyone at risk, with frostbite possible within minutes on exposed skin.
Cold conditions will intensify Sunday night as gusty northwest winds gradually ease, but temperatures continue to fall. Blowing snow is expected early in the evening before skies partially clear. Overnight lows will drop to around -26 in Winnipeg, with wind chill values near -41 early in the night and closer to -33 by morning.
A chilly week in store for Winnipeg
Monday will bring sunshine, but little relief from the cold. Temperatures are expected to reach only about -19, while lingering winds will keep wind chill values near -33 in the morning and around -27 in the afternoon. Conditions remain cold Monday night as clouds increase and temperatures fall to near -23, with wind chills hovering close to -31.
The cold snap is expected to linger through much of the upcoming week. Daytime highs are forecast to remain in the -16 to -18 range through midweek before colder air returns late in the week. By Thursday night, temperatures could plunge to near -36, with daytime highs dropping to around -30 by Friday, before a slight moderation next weekend.
Environment Canada urges residents across the affected regions to limit time outdoors, dress in warm layers and fully cover exposed skin. Cold-related symptoms can include numbness, colour changes in fingers and toes, muscle weakness, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Travel conditions may remain difficult in some areas due to lingering blowing snow combined with extreme cold. Motorists are encouraged to check conditions before travelling and be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
The RCMP sent out a notice earlier on Sunday reminding the public that driving on closed highways is illegal. Mounties say that they ticketed over two dozen people during Friday’s storm, and were continuing to do so on Sunday.
Full weather details, including current conditions and radar, are available on the Jani-King Weather Page.
