Bitterly cold temperatures expected through much of Manitoba

A file photo shows a person bundled up for cold weather. Environment Canada has issued extreme cold weather warnings for most of Manitoba. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press - image credit)
A file photo shows a person bundled up for cold weather. Environment Canada has issued extreme cold weather warnings for most of Manitoba. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press - image credit)

Manitobans will need to bundle up this weekend, with much of the province seeing bitterly cold weather this weekend, Environment Canada warns.

The weather agency issued extreme cold weather warnings Saturday morning for most regions, including all of southwestern Manitoba, the Interlake, a swath east of Lake Winnipeg and nearly all of northern Manitoba.

Temperatures are set to drop to lows in the –30 C range, with wind chill values around –40 and –45 into Sunday, Environment Canada said.

The cold snap should ease somewhat next week, the agency said.

The areas in red in Manitoba were under extreme cold warnings on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, according to Environment Canada.
The areas in red in Manitoba were under extreme cold warnings on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, according to Environment Canada.

The areas in red in Manitoba were under extreme cold warnings as of Saturday morning, Environment Canada said. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)

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Cold weather puts everyone at risk, especially children, older adults, people without proper shelter and those with chronic illnesses, Environment Canada warned.

People who work outdoors during the warning are also advised to take regular scheduled breaks to warm up, and anyone going outside should cover up exposed skin, as frostbite can develop within minutes, especially with a severe wind chill.

The City of Winnipeg also urged residents on Friday to check on older friends, relatives, and neighbours who live alone, and to watch for the symptoms of hypothermia, which include confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness and stiff muscles.

Residents should call 911 immediately if they see someone who needs help or is injured due to extreme cold, the city said.

It also advised people to bring pets inside and limit the amount of time they spend outside.