RED DEER COUNTY – Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an extreme cold warning for parts of Alberta Thursday including for Red Deer County and urban centres near it.
According to the federal agency’s 3:37 p.m. Jan. 2 alert update, extremely cold wind chills are expected Thursday night with the coldest wind chill values near -40 C.
The warning was issued for areas including Red Deer County near Penhold, Innisfail, Bowden, Elnora, Lousana, Delburne, Pine Lake, Spruce View and Sylvan Lake.
“Wind chills will moderate as temperatures rise during the day on Friday. However, extreme cold conditions may return Friday evening for some areas as temperatures drop and winds pick up," the alert for the area said.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.
As of the time of the alert, the warning did not apply south to Mountain View County or the urban centres near it.
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, the federal agency's warning said.
"Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter," the alert said.
The federal agency advises to watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes and to cover up.
"Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill."
