Canada weather warnings: Major wind chill and snow expected

The arctic cold air has made an unwelcome return to some parts of Canada, bringing frigid temperatures and severe weather alerts across the country.

A number of cold warnings are in effect across the Prairies, with blowing snow also expected in parts of Ontario.

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Parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, the territories, and Atlantic Canada are under yellow and orange Environment Canada cold and snow weather alerts, as of Thursday.

In northeast Alberta, wind chill values will vary between -40 and -50 over Thursday. “Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” the department warns. They advise to dress in layers that can be easily added or removed.

All but the southwestern-most corner of Saskatchewan is under orange or yellow cold warnings. “A multi-day episode of very cold wind chills is expected,” in the south and north ends of the province, while a central strip is under a similar warning as Alberta with wind chill values hovering around -45 until Friday night.

Almost all of Manitoba is under an orange warning, except for the shore of Hudson’s Bay in the northeast corner of the province around Churchill. Wind chill values will range between -45 and -50 into the weekend, according to Environment Canada. “A colder and windier air mass is moving into Manitoba, bringing falling temperatures,” the department warns.

Northwestern Ontario is under an orange warning, due to an expected “multi-day episode of very cold wind chills,” which Environment Canada expects to reach around -45.

“Little relief is expected during the day as an Arctic airmass establishes itself over the region and remains in place through the weekend,” it warns, adding that regions near Hudson’s Bay may reach -50.

“Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” the agency warns “watch for colour changes on fingers and toe, pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, or swelling.”

Frostbite can lead to the loss of extremities and complications can lead to death, Environment Canada says.

Yellow snow squall warnings and watches have also been issued in parts of northern and southwestern Ontario, as well as Ottawa and parts of Quebec including Montreal.