Cold warnings across northern Ont. as extreme cold sets in

Rick Wyman has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days.

Most communities in northeastern Ontario will experience extreme cold in the next few days, with temperatures dipping near -40 C when the windchill is factored in.

“Bitterly cold conditions this evening into Saturday morning,” Environment Canada said in a statement.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.”

With such extreme cold, frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

“Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables,” the weather warning said.

“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside. Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.”

In addition to extreme cold, residents in Sault Ste. Marie are under a snow squall warning, with 10-15 cm of snow beginning Friday and continuing overnight.

“A localized lake effect snow band is positioned over western Sault Ste. Marie is expected to shift eastward into the city later today,” Environment Canada said.

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