Arctic blast prompts extreme cold warnings in northern, southern Manitoba

A sun dog in Dominion City, near the RM of Emerson-Franklin, Man. (Mitzi Borodenko)

‘Winterpeg’ continues to live up to its nickname, with chilly temperatures sending some parts of the province into a deadly deep freeze.

On Saturday morning, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued an extreme cold warning for northern and southern Manitoba, where a “multi-day episode of very cold wind chills” is expected.

In the north, ECCC said wind chill values near -45 C are expected for areas like Thompson and Gillam, all the way to the Nunavut border. No warnings are in effect for Churchill.

To the south, an extreme cold warning is in effect from Grand Rapids all the way to the U.S. border. Brandon, Dauphin, Swan River and Berens River can expect wind chill values between -40 C and -44 C.

Winnipeg and the Red River Valley have some relief, with no warnings in effect. However, temperatures are still hovering in the minus-twenties with a wind chill near -38 C.

ECCC urges people to cover up and stay warm and keep emergency supplies, such as extra blankets and jumper cables, close by. People are also encouraged to watch for cold-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest and muscle pain, as well as numbness in fingers and toes.

Manitobans are encouraged to check ECCC for the latest conditions and any updates.