**** Info via Environment Canada
Extreme cold in western and northern Canada
A frigid cold airmass moved over western and northern Canada in December. Since the beginning of the month, the wind chill factor in western provinces has hovered around -35, reaching -45 in several places, on December 6. Manning, Brownvale and Clear Hills in Alberta, and in North Battleford in Saskatchewan even reached the -50 mark.
In northern regions, the wind chill factor reached -50 every day, with -60 reached in Eureka on December 1 and 2.
Coldest wind chill each day between December 1 to 6.
Every winter in Canada, people suffer numerous injuries, and even death, from exposure to the extreme cold. The key to beating our winter weather is to dress warmly, and to watch out for frostbite – numbness and colour change in your fingers and toes. It is also wise to pay attention to other cold-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness.
Be alert for extreme cold warnings. These warnings are issued when significant cold temperatures or wind chills are expected to occur for at least two hours.
For more: Wind chill and cold weather.
