Extreme cold warning blanketing Winnipeg; warmer temperatures incoming

While Winnipeg is experiencing an extreme cold warning this Family Day long weekend, it’s expected to warm up to positive temperatures later in the week, according to Canada’s weather agency.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says wind chill values around -40 C will continue, with “extremely cold wind chills,” into the week before ending.

Sunday’s temperatures are expected to reach a high of -21 C, with a wind chill of -34 C. Later in the evening, the low is expected to drop to -34 C, while the wind chill in the evening and overnight drops to -44 C.

It doesn’t get much better on Family Day Monday, as the wind chill is expected to be around -43 C in the morning and -33 C in the afternoon. The ECCC says the high will climb to -22 C.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” the warning reads.

“Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.”

However, the weather is expected to improve later in the week, climbing back to a high of -11 C on Friday, and -3 C on Saturday.

But in the meantime, the ECCC says to dress warmly and use layers that are easy to remove, ideally with a wind-resistant layer on the outside.

“Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill,” it says.

“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”