Extreme cold warning issued for Northern and Interior communities

PRINCE GEORGE- Temperatures are expected to hit overnight lows in the minus 30’s but with the wind chill, it could feel closer to minus 40 over the next few days. Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning as Northern and Interior BC, including Prince George, gets hit with a very cold arctic ridge of high pressure. Extreme wind chill values near minus 50 could be reached Christmas night in some locations.

The alert covers: Bulkley Valley, Lake District, Mackenzie, Mcgregor, Pine Pass, Chilcotin, Cariboo – north including Quesnel, Prince George, Stuart – Nechako, Lakes District and North Peace River.

The warning is forecasted to last until Tuesday with slightly warmer conditions throughout the day and wind chill values hovering in minus 30’s. However, wind chill values of at least minus 40 will return each evening until Tuesday morning.

Residents are being warned that frostbite can develop within minutes on skin exposed to the intense cold. Environment Canada says it’s important to watch for cold related symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.