WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s unpredictable extreme weather continues this week, with frigid temperatures replacing Wednesday’s winds that had measured as high as 64 km/h. Environment Canada has issued a Christmas Eve extreme cold warning for southern Manitoba, stating that temperatures could dip as low as -42 with the wind chill. Wind chills of -45 are being felt in northern Manitoba. In these temperatures, frostbite can occur in minutes.

These temperatures are especially dangerous for young children, older adults, pets, those who work outdoors, those who are ill, and those who don’t have proper shelter. Warnings like this are issued when cold temperatures or wind chill causes a major risk of health emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Despite the freeze today, there are still glad tidings of warmth to come: A warm front is coming to town today, bearing gifts of above-normal temperatures that will arrive on Christmas day, with sunshine and a balmy -3.