RED DEER COUNTY – Environment and Climate change Canada issued an extreme cold warning for many areas of Alberta Sunday including Red Deer and nearby urban centres.
Wind chill values of near – 40 Celcius (C) are expected overnight, the federal agency’s 3:46 p,m. Feb. 2 weather alert update for the area said.
An extreme cold warning is issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach – 40 C for at least two hours.
Areas included in the warning were Red Deer County near Penhold, Innisfail, Bowden, Elnora, Lousana, Delburne, Pine Lake, Spruce View, Red Lodge Provincial Park and Sylvan Lake.
It warned similar conditions could persist for days.
“While conditions will moderate during the daytime hours, overnight and early morning wind chills near minus 40 could return for parts of Alberta until the middle of the week,” the warning said, going on to point out related health risks.
Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill, it said.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.”
Further, it advised to watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.
“Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant. Cover up,” also advising “If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”
The warning did not include Mountain View County or nearby urban centres
