According to the latest weather alerts, extreme cold and blasts from Arctic air are likely to hit British Columbia in the coming days.
Environment Canada has WarningsIn effect for the South Coast and northern and central B.C. with dangerously frigid temperatures forecast until Wednesday morning.
Arctic outflow warnings are in effect for Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver. Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island.
The wind chill values in these areas could drop to around 20 C.
Environment Canada meteorologist Kenneth Chan declared Monday that the minimum temperature day was potentially record-breaking.
Central and northern B.C. Extremely cold weather is also possible in central and northern B.C. Extreme cold warnings apply from the central coast to Peace River region, which covers the entire area.
Environment Canada declared that the region is being dominated by “abitterly cool air mass”. Monday morning was expected to see wind chills exceedingly high at 40 C.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when extremely cold temperatures or wind chill pose a high risk to your health, such as the possibility of frostbite and hypothermia.
Cold exposure can cause shortness of breath, chest pains, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour changes in fingers and toes.
Environment Canada warned that frostbite can occur in minutes on exposed skin. The agency advised those under extreme cold warnings that they check on their loved ones and bring their pets inside. They also suggested that they keep blankets and jumper cables in the car for any emergency situations.
Chan stated that the last week of December is often cold in B.C., but that this week is not typical.
“It can happen but at this moment it’s a little warmer than a regular one,” said he.