Extreme cold snap continues for Saskatoon and northern Saskatchewan

An extreme cold warning continues to be in effect for Saskatoon and parts of central and northern Saskatchewan, including the Battlefords, Prince Albert, and La Ronge, with temperatures plummeting to as low as minus 46 C with wind chill on Sunday morning.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the warning Saturday morning due to a multi-day episode of very cold wind chills. As of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, the warning was still in effect.

ECCC forecasts that the cold snap will continue into the workweek with the lowest expected temperature around minus 34 C with wind chills of minus 45 on Monday.

The weather agency warns that extreme cold poses a significant risk to health and 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. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” ECCC said on its website.

ECCC asks residents to watch for cold-related symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, and numbness or color change in fingers and toes.

ECCC says frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

To stay safe, residents are asked to cover up and stay indoors if possible.