Environment Canada this morning ended the extreme cold warning for all areas of the East Kootenay except Kootenay (and Yoho) National Park areas.

The multi-day episode of cold wind chills is expected to continue in the mountain parks from now until Friday morning.

“A very cold airmass combined with moderate winds will generate extreme wind chill values of minus 35 or lower. Conditions are expected to moderate Thursday afternoon as winds weaken. However, wind chill values of minus 35 or lower will return Thursday evening into Friday morning,” Environment Canada forecast.

While the rest of the East Kootenay is no longer under an extreme cold warning, temperatures remain extremely chilly.

In the rest of the region, the low today will be around minus 20, with a wind chill minus 30 this evening and minus 24 overnight, with a risk of frostbite.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” Environment Canada advises.

“Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables.

“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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