Saskatoon under extreme cold warning Wednesday

Saskatoon woke up to an extreme cold warning Wednesday morning with windchill temperatures as low as -45 expected.

Saskatoon faced wind chills as low minus 41 C on Wednesday morning, with an extreme cold warning in effect.

In a warning issued after 4 a.m. Wednesday, Environment and Climate Change Canada cautions to dress warmly and in layers.

“Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with the wind chill.”

Anyone who works or exercises outdoors, those without proper shelter, those with chronic illness and young children face the greatest risk from cold exposure, Environment Canada says.

The federal weather service is forecasting around two to four centimetres of blowing snow near noon Wednesday, with winds picking up throughout the day from about 20 kilometres an hour in the morning to gusts reaching 60 kilometres an hour this afternoon.

The high in Saskatoon should be around minus 20 C, with the wind chill reaching around minus 33 C this afternoon, Environment Canada says.

“Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” the cold warning says.

“Watch for colour changes on fingers and toes, pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, or swelling. If present, move indoors and begin warming.”

If you’re struggling with the cold, don’t fret — temperatures are expected to gradually warm over the next few days, reaching single digits by next week, according to Environment Canada.