Environment Canada this morning issued an extreme cold warning for the Kootenay National Park area and a special weather statement covering the rest of the region with an alert about incoming cold.

“A period of very cold wind chills is expected,” Environment Canada reports.

“An Arctic airmass has resulted in extreme cold wind chill values near minus 35 over Yoho Park – Kootenay Park this morning. Cold wind chill values over the region are expected to moderate this afternoon as temperatures rise, but will drop to below minus 35 again tonight.”

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter, Environment Canada warned.

The rest of the region can expect temperatures to continue turning cold with Arctic air moving throughout B.C.

“Following a relatively mild first half of winter, a transition to much colder conditions will begin throughout B.C. Cold Arctic air is currently pushing southwards across the B.C. Interior, and towards the B.C. coast through the remainder of the weekend. The cold air will be in place throughout the province by Monday, and persist for the remainder of the week.”

Temperatures over Interior regions will be 10 to 20 degrees below the seasonal average, while coastal areas will be five to 10 degrees below seasonal, making for the coldest conditions seen this season, Environment Canada said.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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