Environment Canada this morning issued an extreme cold warning for the Columbia Valley, Kootenay National Park and Elk Valley areas of the East Kootenay.

“A period of very cold wind chills is expected from today (Jan. 11) through to the weekend. Bitterly cold wind chill values from minus 35 to minus 40,” Environment Canada stated.

“An extremely cold arctic ridge lies over B.C. Temperatures between minus 25 to minus 35 Celsius in combination with periodic winds of 20 to 30 km/h is giving dangerous windchill values of minus 35 or lower.

“These wind chill values are expected to moderate by the end of the weekend.”

While the Cranbrook/Kimberley and Creston areas are not included in Environment Canada’s warning, it’s still bitterly cold.

Wind chill will bring temperatures to about -30 C today and -36 C overnight in Cranbrook/Kimberley and about -15 C today and -24 overnight in Creston.

Environment Canada encourages people to watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

And remember, if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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